How to Make a Cheesy Bacon and Broccoli Dip
Comfort food does not always need to be complicated. Sometimes, it is the simplest dishes that leave the biggest impression. A cheesy bacon and broccoli dip does exactly that. It brings together the smoky flavor of bacon, the earthy bite of broccoli, and the creamy richness of cheese in a way that feels warm and familiar. People love dips because they are easy to serve, fun to eat, and fit into any gathering. But this dip is not your average snack. It has enough flavor to stand out and enough texture to make it truly satisfying.
When you take a bite, you get that creamy base first. Then the bacon kicks in with a salty crunch and the broccoli gives it a fresh, slightly roasted taste. It is the kind of appetizer that gets cleaned out before anything else. Whether you are setting up for game night, hosting friends for the weekend, or simply looking to indulge in something cozy, this recipe will do the trick. It is not overly fancy, and you do not need any special skills to make it. All you need is a few ingredients, a mixing bowl, and an oven.
Below, you will find everything you need to bring this dip to life. From the full ingredient breakdown and nutritional facts to step-by-step guidance and helpful tips to make it your own. Stick around, because once you try it, you’ll probably come back for it again.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you will need cream cheese, broccoli, bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a few pantry spices. The great thing is most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. Fresh or frozen broccoli both work here. If using frozen, make sure it is thawed and lightly steamed. Bacon should be cooked until crispy. Cheddar cheese gives the perfect sharp flavor, but you can always swap it if you prefer something milder or spicier.
Here’s a detailed table with the exact amounts and estimated calorie content for each:
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli (steamed) | 1 cup | 55 |
| Bacon (cooked, crumbled) | 1 cup | 400 |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | 800 |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup | 440 |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | 120 |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup | 180 |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | 5 |
| Onion powder | ¼ tsp | 2 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Optional green onions | 2 tbsp | 5 |
| Total Approx. | — | 2007 calories per batch |
This recipe makes around eight servings, depending on how generous you are with your scoops.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, steam the broccoli until it is tender. You do not want it to be mushy. Just soft enough that it blends well but still holds a little texture. Chop it into smaller pieces if needed.
Next, cook the bacon until crisp. Once it cools, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. If you want to make things easier, you can also use pre-cooked bacon bits, though fresh bacon definitely brings more flavor.
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spoon or a hand mixer to get a smooth, creamy texture. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once the base is ready, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped broccoli. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Add most of the bacon into the bowl, but keep a small handful aside for topping. Stir it in gently so you don’t break the broccoli too much. Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe dish. It can be a baking pan or even a cast iron skillet for a rustic look. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbling and the edges to turn a golden brown. Let the dip sit for five minutes before serving so it thickens slightly and does not burn anyone’s mouth.
If you like a little freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, there are so many ways to adjust this recipe to fit your taste. Instead of cheddar, you can try pepper jack for a little kick or gouda for a smooth finish. Mozzarella will give it more of a stretchy cheese pull if that is what you are after.
For more heat, dice up a jalapeno and mix it in before baking. A dash of hot sauce or chili flakes will also do the trick. If you want a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon and add roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or even caramelized onions for that rich depth.
Lighter versions are easy too. Swap out the mayonnaise or sour cream with Greek yogurt. Use low fat cream cheese and shredded cheese if you are watching calories. The flavor will still be great, just a bit more guilt free.
You can also add herbs for freshness. Chopped chives, parsley, or even a bit of thyme can lift the whole dish and give it a more garden-style feel.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this cheesy bacon and broccoli dip contains roughly 250 calories. You are looking at about 22 grams of fat per serving, including 10 grams of saturated fat. It has around 4 grams of carbs, 8 grams of protein, and only 1 gram of sugar. The sodium sits at approximately 400 milligrams per serving.
These numbers are based on dividing the full dish into eight equal portions. If you make swaps like lower fat cheese or Greek yogurt, you can bring the calories and fat down a bit without compromising too much on flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dip shines when served warm and melty. It goes great with toasted baguette slices if you want something hearty to scoop with. Tortilla chips are another classic choice and bring a satisfying crunch. If you are trying to keep things a bit lighter, cut up some carrots, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips. The freshness of the vegetables contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy dip.
You can also spoon it over baked potatoes, spread it into a sandwich, or stuff it into mini bread bowls for a fun twist. Some people even use it as a topping for burgers or grilled chicken, turning a simple dish into something special.
If you are hosting a gathering, this dip fits right into a snack table or appetizer spread. Just place a spoon in the dish and surround it with whatever you want to dip into it. People will keep coming back for more.
Conclusion
A good dip brings people together. It sits at the center of the table and gives everyone something to gather around. This cheesy bacon and broccoli dip is easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to work with anything you serve it with. Whether it is for a party, a family night in, or just a treat for yourself, it delivers every time.
With only a few basic ingredients, you get a warm, creamy dish that tastes like it took hours but really comes together in minutes. Try it once and it will become a go-to in your kitchen.