Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Pecans Recipe
Introduction
This Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Pecans is a creamy, savory treat perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and crunchy roasted pecans creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
- 5 scallions (green onions), chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cooked bacon (real bacon bits may be substituted)
- ½ cup chopped roasted pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise using a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
- Step 2: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, bacon, and roasted pecans with a spoon until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a serving dish, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Optional: Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, pecan pieces, or shredded cheese on top for added garnish and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make blending easier and achieve a creamy texture.
- For best flavor, cook bacon fresh and cool before chopping; baking bacon on a wire rack at 400°F gives crisp, even results without mess.
- Roast pecans to enhance their natural flavor and crunch—either in the oven or microwave using 1-minute intervals, stirring until toasty and slightly darker.
- Substitute smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This dip is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature for 15 minutes to soften before serving. It is not recommended to freeze, as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, the dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Chilling it helps the flavors develop, making it even more delicious.
What can I serve with this Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetable sticks, or even warm pretzels for dipping.
PrintBacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Pecans Recipe
A rich and creamy bacon and cream cheese dip made with sharp cheddar, scallions, and crunchy roasted pecans. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this flavorful dip combines tangy sour cream and mayonnaise with smoky bacon bits and nutty pecans for a deliciously indulgent appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Add-ins
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
- 5 scallions (green onions), chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cooked bacon (real bacon bits may be substituted)
- ½ cup chopped roasted pecans
Instructions
- Mix the Base: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fully combined and smooth without lumps.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, chopped cooked bacon, and chopped roasted pecans with a spoon until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the dip to your serving dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up.
- Optional Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, additional pecan pieces, or some shredded cheese on top for an attractive and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to ensure easy blending and a smooth texture.
- For best flavor and crunch, cook fresh bacon and let it cool before chopping. Baking bacon at 400°F on a wire rack yields evenly crisp pieces without mess.
- Roast pecans to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch. You can roast them in the oven or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until aromatic and slightly darker (2-3 minutes total).
Keywords: bacon dip, cream cheese dip, pecan dip, party dip, appetizer, snack, sharp cheddar, sour cream, bacon bits
