Looking for the ultimate dip to wow your guests? This Caramelized Onion & Bacon Dip is rich, cheesy, and loaded with the smoky flavor of crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions. Perfectly paired with crostini or tortilla chips, it's the OG party showstopper!
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Ingredients
- Oil
- Smoked Bacon
- Shallots
- Onions
- Balsamic Glaze
- Brown Sugar
- Cream Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Sharp Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Serve with: Baked Crostini or Tortilla Chips
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Fry the smoked bacon until crispy!
In the same pan caramelize the onions & shallots!
Combine all ingredients in a bowl & mix!
Transfer to a baking dish & bake at 350 for 10 min!
- Crisp the Bacon:
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. - Caramelize the Onions:
In the same pan, add the sliced shallots and onions. Sauté on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. In the last 5 minutes, stir in the balsamic glaze and brown sugar to enhance the sweetness. - Mix It All Together:
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, crispy bacon (reserve a bit for topping), and caramelized onions (save some for garnish). Mix until smooth and season with salt to taste. - Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese, bacon, and onions. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with baked crostini or crunchy tortilla chips. Garnish with parsley seasoning if desired for a pop of color.
Substitutions
- Oil: Use butter, ghee, or avocado oil for a richer flavor.
- Smoked Bacon: Substitute with turkey bacon, smoked tofu, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Shallots: Swap with red onions or extra sweet onions for a similar flavor.
- Onions: Use leeks, scallions, or Vidalia onions for a milder taste.
- Balsamic Glaze: Replace with honey, maple syrup, or a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with sugar.
- Brown Sugar: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Substitute with a vegan cream cheese for a vegan option.
- Sour Cream: Replace with plain Greek yogurt, but add more cheese & salt!
- Sharp Cheddar: Use gouda, gruyère, or Colby Jack for a different cheesy kick.
- Mozzarella: Opt for provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt.
A Spicy Variation...
Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Dip: Add finely chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the mixture for a spicy kick. Swap mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before broiling. It’s perfect for heat lovers!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Big Mixing Bowl
- Medium Sized Baking Dish
Storage
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Top tips
- Slow Caramelization Is Key: Take your time with the onions; low heat ensures deep, sweet flavor.
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This makes mixing easier and prevents lumps.
- Broil for Extra Bubbliness: A quick broil at the end creates a golden, irresistible top layer.
FAQs
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure it heats through.
Yes! Swap cheddar or mozzarella for gouda, gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist. Choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Related
Looking for other savoury recipes like this? Try these:
Dessert Pairing
These are my fav desserts to serve with this recipe:
Caramelized Onion Dip with Crispy Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- In the same pan, add the sliced shallots and onions. Sauté on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. In the last 5 minutes, stir in the balsamic glaze and brown sugar to enhance the sweetness.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, crispy bacon (reserve a bit for topping), and caramelized onions (save some for garnish). Mix until smooth and season with salt to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese, bacon, and onions. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm with baked crostini or crunchy tortilla chips. Garnish with parsley seasoning if desired for a pop of color.
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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