Loaded Baked Potato Dip

My friend Sarah brought this dip to game night last winter, and I literally hovered over the bowl the entire evening. Something about the combination of smoky bacon and tangy sour cream just hits different when you're crowded around a coffee table with friends, everyone reaching for chips simultaneously and someone inevitably double-dipping when they think no one's watching.

I made this for my sister's birthday celebration last month and watched my brother-in-law, who claims to despise creamy dips, abandon all pretense and eat three servings in fifteen minutes. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that make people forget their own rules about food.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream: The tangy base that cuts through all that rich cheese and bacon
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened: Let it sit on the counter for real, or you'll get lumpy dip
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheese brings the flavor punch mild cheese completely misses
• 6 slices bacon: Cook it until it's seriously crispy because soggy bacon ruins everything
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives: Fresh chives make such a difference compared to dried
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Use both the white and green parts for maximum flavor
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Dont overdo it or you'll lose the other flavors
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference here
• Salt, to taste: The bacon and cheese add saltiness, so taste before adding more
• 8 oz (225 g) sturdy potato chips: Flimsy chips will break under the weight of this thick, loaded dip

Instructions

Crisp the bacon:

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crunchy all the way through, then drain on paper towels and crumble once it's cool enough to handle.

Make the creamy base:

Beat sour cream and softened cream cheese together in a medium bowl until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.

Combine everything:

Fold in the cheddar, most of the bacon, chives, green onions, garlic powder, pepper, and salt until just combined.

Finish and garnish:

Transfer to your serving bowl and scatter the reserved bacon, chives, and green onions on top.

Serve it up:

Serve right away with potato chips, or refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours and bring to room temperature before serving.

Save

This dip has become my go-to for those moments when I need to bring something to a gathering but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Every time I show up with it, someone immediately asks for the recipe, usually with their mouth still half-full.

Make It Lighter

Greek yogurt works surprisingly well as a sour cream substitute if you're looking to cut calories. I've done this swap myself, and while the flavor shifts slightly, most people don't even notice the difference.

Serving Ideas Beyond Chips

Vegetable sticks, pretzel chips, or even small roasted baby potatoes all work beautifully as vehicles for this dip. I've discovered that bell pepper strips are actually a game-changer here, adding crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.

Timing Your Prep

This dip needs about an hour at room temperature for the flavors to really meld together. I always make it at least two hours before guests arrive so it can sit in the fridge and then come to room temperature.

• Cook the bacon up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge
• Reserve extra garnish to refresh the look right before serving
• Don't skip bringing it to room temperature, cold dip loses its appeal

Save

Watch this become the first thing to disappear at every party, with people inevitably circling back for just one more chip.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients give this dip its classic flavor?

The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and fresh chives creates the distinctive savory taste.

→ Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?

Yes, the dip can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

→ What can I use instead of bacon for a lighter option?

Turkey bacon is a great substitute to reduce fat while maintaining a similar smoky flavor.

→ Are there alternative serving options besides potato chips?

Vegetable sticks or pretzel chips work well as dippers, adding variety and texture contrast.

→ How do I achieve the right texture for the dip?

Beat sour cream and cream cheese until smooth, then gently fold in the remaining ingredients to preserve creaminess and flavor consistency.