This Bacon Tomato Dip is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor! It’s made with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses that make it gooey and delicious.
Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, you’ll find yourself coming back for more! I love serving it with crunchy chips—it makes snacking a blast! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon brings a rich, smoky flavor to the dip. You could substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option, or even use crispy pancetta for a twist!
Cream Cheese: The base of this dip is softened cream cheese, which helps to create a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese works well too!
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give a nice juicy punch, but if they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes are a great backup. Just make sure to drain them well!
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. If you want something milder, go for mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have them, chives or even finely chopped white onion can work in a pinch!
Basil/Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have these, Italian herbs will still work. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.
How Do You Ensure the Dip is Creamy and Flavorful?
To get that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor, you need to blend the ingredients well. Start with softened cream cheese, as it makes it much easier to mix. Here’s how:
- Combine cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until smooth.
- Add in your tomatoes and cheeses next; this helps everything to blend together even more.
- Fold in the bacon last so it stays crispy.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors come together!
Remember, a little taste test before serving is always a good idea! Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to match your taste.
How to Make Bacon Tomato Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or drained canned diced tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Assorted dippers: potato chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, sliced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bacon Tomato Dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you refrigerate it, it’s best to let it chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together nicely. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is nice and crispy. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once it’s cooked, take it out and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool for a bit, and then chop it into small pieces. Be sure to save about 2 tablespoons of bacon bits for garnishing later!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and sour cream, then blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a spatula or an electric mixer for this step to get it nice and fluffy.
3. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions (if using), minced garlic, onion powder, dried basil or Italian seasoning, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well so that all those delicious flavors get evenly distributed throughout the dip.
4. Incorporate the Bacon:
Gently fold in most of the chopped bacon you prepared earlier. Make sure to save some to sprinkle on top later—this will keep it looking great and add a nice crunch!
5. Present Your Dip:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top it with the reserved bacon bits. For a little extra flair, add a sprig of fresh parsley on top. It’ll look great on your table!
6. Chill or Serve:
You can either serve your dip right away, or for better flavor, cover it and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows all the tasty ingredients to meld together beautifully.
7. Enjoy with Dippers:
When you’re ready to serve, arrange assorted dippers like potato chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and fresh tomato slices around the bowl for a colorful and inviting display. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful and creamy Bacon Tomato Dip!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative and will still provide a nice smoky flavor. Just ensure to cook it until crispy for the best texture in the dip.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese. Both will provide creaminess, but the flavor might be slightly different, so adjust seasonings to taste.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken slightly while chilled.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dip?
Definitely! Feel free to add other spices, diced jalapeños for some heat, or even chopped bell peppers for extra crunch. Just keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients in mind for the best texture.
