This creamy Baked Potato Dip brings all the flavors of a loaded baked potato right to your bowl! With potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s hard to resist.
It’s perfect for game days or just a cozy night in. I love serving it with crunchy chips—you know you’ve scooped a little too much when you hear that chip crack! 😂
Making this dip is super easy. Just mix everything together and bake it until bubbly. I can’t wait to share this warm goodness with friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baking Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. They become fluffy and creamy when cooked. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try cauliflower instead; just steam and mash it.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess. If you want a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese. Keep in mind that this might change the flavor slightly.
Sour Cream: For tanginess, go with regular sour cream. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a plant-based sour cream or even a thick cashew cream for a nutty twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or use vegan cheese shreds.
Bacon: I love crispy bacon for its salty crunch. For a vegetarian option, you could use crispy chickpeas or even bits of tempeh sautéed to get that crunchiness.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking your potatoes just right is key to this dip. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, even pieces. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Boil them in salted water for about 10-12 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Don’t overcook, as you’ll be mashing them.
- Drain the potatoes well and mash them lightly. Leave some texture for a rustic feel in your dip.
Taking care of this step ensures a delicious and creamy dip that’ll impress your friends and family!
Delicious Baked Potato Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Baked Potato Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or game-day treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, peel and dice the potatoes. Boil them in salted water for 10-12 minutes until they’re tender. Be gentle when draining them; you want to keep some potatonic character, not make a mushy mess!
2. Mixing the Base:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. This is where the creamy magic begins! You want it nice and fluffy, so keep mixing until it’s well combined.
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Stir in the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (saving a little for the top), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until everything is well coated and has a lovely consistency.
4. Baking the Dip:
Transfer your mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be hot and bubbly, and that cheesy smell wafting through your kitchen will be a sure sign!
5. Garnishing and Serving:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the reserved bacon and chopped green onions on top. If you’re using chives, throw those on too for some extra flavor! Serve warm with ridged potato chips or any dippables you love.
Enjoy your rich, flavorful Baked Potato Dip—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Dip?
Absolutely! If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe is a great way to use them up. Just skip the boiling step and mix the mashed potatoes directly with the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Potato Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven before serving. You might need to increase the baking time by a few minutes if it’s cold from the fridge!
What Should I Serve With This Dip?
This dip pairs well with ridged potato chips, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks for a crunchy contrast. You can also serve it with toasted baguette slices or crackers for an extra touch!