Loaded Baked Potato Dip

The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, I honestly thought it was too simple to impress anyone. I had spent maybe twenty minutes throwing it together between packing snacks and finding my team jersey. But when I went back to refill my own plate, the bowl was completely empty with people actually asking for the recipe. Now it is the one thing people specifically request I bring to every gathering.

My friend Sarah actually texted me the next day after that party saying she dreamed about the dip. We have this running joke now that whenever someone says what should I bring, the group chat immediately responds loaded potato dip. It has become the unofficial mascot of our friend groups entire snacking rotation.

Ingredients

• Sour cream: The base that makes everything creamy and cool, use full fat for the best texture
• Cream cheese: Let this soften completely at room temperature so it blends into the sour cream without any lumps
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Shred it yourself from a block if you can, pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that keep it from melting perfectly
• Bacon: Cook it until it is seriously crispy because soft bacon in a dip is just sad, drain it well on paper towels
• Fresh chives: These add that mild onion flavor that makes everything taste restaurant quality
• Green onions: Slice them thin so they distribute evenly throughout every bite
• Garlic powder: Do not use fresh garlic here, the powder disperses evenly and gives that background savory note
• Black pepper: Adds just enough subtle warmth to balance the rich dairy
• Salt: Taste as you go because the bacon and cheese are already salty
• Sturdy potato chips: Get the thick ripple chips or kettle cooked ones because flimsy chips will snap when you try to scoop

Instructions

Crisp the bacon:

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is super crispy and browned, then drain on paper towels and let it cool completely before crumbling into small pieces

Make the creamy base:

Beat together the sour cream and softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until they are completely smooth and combined

Combine everything:

Fold in the shredded cheese, most of the bacon, chives, green onions, garlic powder, pepper, and salt until evenly distributed

Garnish and serve:

Transfer the dip to your serving bowl and top it with the reserved bacon, chives, and green onions you set aside

Save

Last month my neighbor smelled the bacon cooking through our open kitchen window and actually knocked on the door to investigate. She ended up staying for dinner and we ate the entire batch standing around the island counter. That is the kind of dip this is, the kind that pulls people into the kitchen and keeps them there.

Make It Your Own

I have started adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce sometimes and it adds this incredible depth that people notice but cannot quite put their finger on. A little hot sauce stirred in gives it a kick without overpowering the classic flavors.

Serving Strategy

Put this out about twenty minutes before people actually arrive so it can come to room temperature. Cold straight from the fridge masks all the subtle flavors and makes the cheese feel waxy instead of creamy.

Planning Ahead

You can cook the bacon and chop all the vegetables the day before and store them in separate containers. The dip itself comes together so fast that having the prep work done makes it feel almost effortless.

• Double the bacon and keep extra crumbles in the fridge for salads or baked potatoes
• Set out a few different dipping vessels like veggie sticks for variety
• Make a small batch of the seasoning mix to keep on hand for quick weeknight versions

Save

Somehow this dip manages to taste even better the next day, if you actually have any leftovers. I have eaten it cold straight from the fridge for breakfast more times than I care to admit.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What ingredients give the dip its creamy texture?

Sour cream and cream cheese create the smooth, creamy base of the dip, balanced by shredded cheddar for richness.

→ How should the bacon be prepared for best flavor?

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain and crumble for a crunchy, smoky addition.

→ Can this dip be made ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

→ Are there suggested alternatives for a lighter version?

Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter texture without sacrificing creaminess.

→ What pairs well with this dip aside from potato chips?

Vegetable sticks and pretzel chips are delicious alternatives that complement the dip's savory profile.