This Bacon Cheese Ring Party Dip is a crowd-pleaser! It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of crispy bacon bits. Perfect for sharing, it brings everyone together at the snack table!
When I make this dip, I can’t help but smile at how quickly it disappears. It’s so good, even veggies want to join the party! 🥳 Serve it warm with some crunchy crackers for a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese as the base for this dip. If you want a lighter option, go for Neufchâtel cheese which has less fat but similar texture!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. If cheddar isn’t on hand, try a mix of mozzarella and provolone.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds nice flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, use bacon bits made from soy or mushrooms for a similar taste.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These give creaminess. You can substitute yogurt for sour cream or use light mayo if you want fewer calories. Just make sure it’s still creamy!
Chives: Fresh chives give a burst of color and taste. If you don’t have chives, green onions or parsley can work nicely instead, but chives are my favorite for this dip.
How Do I Form the Perfect Ring Shape for Serving?
Shaping the mixture into a ring takes a bit of patience, but it’s worth it for presentation! Start by spreading the mixture on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Gather the mixture into a mound in the center of the parchment paper.
- Using damp hands or a spatula, shape the mound into a ring by pushing the mixture outward and creating a hollow center.
- Ensure it’s evenly packed but don’t worry about it being perfect; a rustic look adds charm!
- Chill it for 1 hour to set, which makes it easier to handle when serving.
A tip for a clean edge is to dip your hands in water before shaping. It keeps the dip from sticking to your hands!
How to Make Bacon Cheese Ring Party Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Barbecue sauce or hot sauce (optional, for drizzle)
- Crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour of chilling time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dig in. Perfect for a snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Dip Base:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dip, so make sure there are no lumps!
2. Adding Flavor:
Now it’s time to jazz it up! Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. The delicious smells will start to fill your kitchen!
3. Seasoning It Up:
Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix again to make sure all the flavors are well blended. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—it should be savory and slightly smoky!
4. Forming the Ring:
Now, let’s shape it! On a parchment-lined baking sheet or platter, use your hands or a spatula to form the mixture into a ring shape. Aim for a hollow center, like a donut. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just have fun with it!
5. Chill to Firm Up:
Cover the formed ring with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This will help it firm up and hold its shape nicely when serving.
6. Adding the Toppings:
Once it’s chilled, take it out of the fridge. Before serving, generously sprinkle extra crumbled bacon and some additional shredded cheddar cheese on top. It’ll look so tempting!
7. Optional Drizzle:
If you want an extra flavor kick, drizzle some barbecue sauce or hot sauce over the ring. This is totally up to you, but it can add a nice touch!
8. Garnish:
Finish it off by garnishing with more chopped fresh chives. It’ll add a pop of color and freshness to your dip!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the dip chilled or at room temperature with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks for dipping. This tasty bacon cheese dip is perfect for any gathering!
Enjoy the creamy, smoky goodness – your guests will love it!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip and shape it into a ring up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time and keep the flavors even more vibrant!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave if you prefer it warm, but it’s just as tasty cold!
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients?
Yes! You can swap the cream cheese for Neufchâtel for a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or try a different type of cheese if you want to mix things up! Just ensure the substitutes maintain a similar texture for the best results.
What Can I Serve This Dip With?
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers! Try serving it with crackers, pretzels, sliced vegetables like carrots and celery, or even potato chips for a crunchy treat!
