Name: Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 3 scallions, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); Pretzel bites or soft pretzels, for serving

Get ready to meet your new favorite party dip! This Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip is absolutely irresistible-think rich, creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a hint of scallion, all swirled together into one epic bowl.

Each bite delivers the ultimate comfort food experience: gooey cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy bacon. It's the kind of crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes, especially when served with warm, salty pretzels.

Perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a quick and easy snack to impress, this dip is as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. Bring this to your next get-together and watch it become the star of the spread!

A bowl of creamy Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip garnished with scallions and surrounded by soft pretzel bites

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultra creamy and cheesy with real, bold flavors
Quick and super easy-ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect make-ahead appetizer for any party or potluck
Pairs perfectly with pretzels, crackers, veggies, and more
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for bacon and cheese lovers

Key Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is the star of this dip, giving it that signature sharp, tangy flavor and luscious melt. For best results, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the dip less smooth. Feel free to use mild or sharp cheddar, or try a spicy variety for extra kick!

Bacon

Bacon brings a punch of smoky, savory goodness and irresistible crispy texture. Cook until deeply golden and crunchy for the best results. Thick-cut bacon works particularly well, but you can use turkey bacon if you want a lighter option. Want even more flavor? Try maple or peppered bacon!

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds creaminess and body, creating that velvety, scoopable texture you love. Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor, but low-fat or Neufchâtel also work in a pinch. Make sure it's softened for easy blending and smooth results.

Sour Cream

Sour cream provides tang and helps balance the richness of the bacon and cheese. Regular or light sour cream both work, or swap in plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a slightly tangier flavor.

Scallions

Scallions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens every bite. Slice them thin and use both the green and white parts for maximum color and flavor. Chives make a tasty substitute if you prefer a subtler onion note.

Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip cooking process

Instructions for Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking your bacon until it's deliciously crispy! You can fry it in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Blend the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to beat until smooth and creamy. This ensures your dip is perfectly silky with no lumps.

Add Cheese and Flavorings

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, most of the bacon (reserve a bit for topping), sliced scallions (save some for garnish), garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly combined-it should look rich and chunky.

Warm the Dip

Transfer the dip mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the center is warmed through. You want everything to be ooey-gooey and piping hot!

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with the reserved bacon and scallions. Serve immediately with warm pretzel bites, soft pretzels, or your favorite crunchy dippers!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese for even more heat!

Gluten-Free Version

Simply serve this dip with gluten-free pretzels or crackers, and make sure all your ingredients (like bacon and spices) are certified gluten-free.

Lightened-Up Dip

Swap in light cream cheese and light sour cream, or use Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream. Turkey bacon works great too if you're looking to cut down on fat.

Extra Cheesy

Mix in a blend of cheeses-try Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella for extra stretch and flavor. A little Gruyère adds a gourmet twist!

Veggie-Loaded

Fold in some finely chopped bell peppers, cooked spinach, or roasted jalapeños for added color and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is a match made in heaven with soft pretzel bites, but don't stop there-serve it with crunchy pretzel rods, toasted baguette slices, or fresh-cut veggies like celery and bell peppers for dipping. For extra flair, garnish with more sliced scallions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika just before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe dish and warm in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy texture may become grainy after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve for a fresh, bubbly result.

Q: What if I don’t have pretzel bites?

A: No worries-this dip is fantastic with crackers, tortilla chips, baguette slices, or even crunchy veggies like carrots and celery.

Q: Can I serve Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip cold?

A: You can, but it's best enjoyed warm when the cheese is melty and the flavors are at their best. If serving cold, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften.

Craving something ultra cheesy and packed with flavor? Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dip delivers every time! Whip it up for your next party or cozy night in, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to let me know how it turned out. Happy dipping!