Baked Cheesy Onion and Bacon Dip
This fall-inspired dip is perfect when paired with crisp crostini for dipping.
jump toRECIPE
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page.
This baked cheesy onion and bacon dip is rich, savory, and loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions — the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer any time you need a show-stopping snack. It’s creamy and irresistible straight from the oven, and pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or veggies. If you’re planning a party spread, serve this alongside my hot crab dip in a bread bowl or this four-step cheesy buffalo chicken dip for an appetizer lineup guests will devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleaser – Gooey, cheesy, and loaded with bacon flavor everyone loves.
- Easy prep – Simple ingredients and quick assembly make it perfect for entertaining.
- Baked to perfection – Crispy edges and creamy center every time.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Bacon – Smoked bacon adds a strong smoky and salty flavor to the dip. The rendered fat from the crispy bacon is used to add flavor to the caramelized onions and helps to bring out their sweetness.
- Onion – Caramelized onions are one of my favorite flavors, especially when paired with bacon and thyme. This flavor profile is reminiscent of one of my favorites: French onion soup!
- Cream cheese – The base of this creamy dip is cream cheese, so be sure to use the regular kind rather than low-fat. When the cream cheese is just out of the fridge it is so cold it won’t evenly combine with the other ingredients when added to the mixer. Leave the cream cheese on the counter for about 30 minutes to an hour so it easily blends with the other ingredients.
- Sour cream – I like to add sour cream to the base of the dip for a tangy flavor and lighter, fluffier texture.
- Asiago cheese – Asiago cheese is a cow’s milk cheese from Italy. Its texture can range from medium to hard depending on the aging. Look for aged Asiago cheese which has a nutty flavor and firm texture.
- Cheddar cheese – The difference between white Cheddar and yellow is the addition of annatto for color. I prefer white Cheddar for the aesthetics though yellow will do fine in its place.
- Thyme – Onion, thyme and smoked bacon go very well together for a savory seasoning combination. The thyme adds a herby depth to this dip recipe.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Caramelize the onions slowly over medium-low heat to bring out deep sweetness and complexity before adding them to the dip.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Bacon: Swap with pancetta or diced ham for a different savory note.
- Onions: Use red onions or shallots if you want a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Cheese: Substitute cheddar with Gruyère, fontina, or a smoky provolone.
- Cream Cheese: Use mascarpone for extra creaminess.
- Add-Ins: Stir in chopped jalapeños or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Onion and Bacon Dip (Step-by-Step)
Add the bacon to a medium sauté pan, and cook over medium heat, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the fat in the pan.
Return the pan to medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until the onions are soft and tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and sugar then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are uniformly brown and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
Add the thyme and balsamic vinegar and remove the pan from the heat.
Heat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Combine cream cheese and sour cream in a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
Add the caramelized onions, ¾ cup of the Asiago cheese, Cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon, stirring to combine.
Spread the dip in a 9” (22cm) heat-proof baking dish and spread the remaining Asiago cheese over the top. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve hot or at room temperature with crostini or buttery crackers.
How to Serve Cheesy Onion and Bacon Dip
- Dippers: Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
- Pairings: Pair with chilled white wine or a crisp lager for the perfect bite.
- Garnish: Top with extra chopped bacon and green onions just before serving.
How to Store Cheesy Onion and Bacon Dip
- Refrigerator: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, stirring once or twice.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked cheesy onion and bacon dip ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best bacon to use?
Thick-cut bacon works great for substantial bites, but regular bacon is fine too.
How do I prevent the baked cheesy onion and bacon dip from getting watery?
Make sure the caramelized onions are cooked down and not overly wet before adding.
Can I make this baked cheesy onion and bacon dip gluten-free?
Yes! Serve with gluten-free crackers, chips, or sliced veggies instead of bread.
Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely, extra cheese increases the gooey factor and makes this dip even more decadent.
Other Recipes to Try
If your friends and family loved this dip, give these great recipes a try and follow me on Instagram for more apps and meal ideas:
- Hot and Spicy Creamy Spinach Dip
- Baked Lobster Dip
- Caramelized Onion Pho Dip
- French Onion Soup Dumplings
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Baked Cheesy Onion and Bacon Dip
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients:
- ¾ pound applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1” (2.5cm) strips
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Add the bacon to a medium sauté pan, and cook over medium heat, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the fat in the pan.
- Return the pan to medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until the onions are soft and tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and sugar then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are uniformly brown and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
- Add the thyme and balsamic vinegar and remove the pan from the heat.
- Heat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Combine cream cheese and sour cream in a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add the caramelized onions, ¾ cup of the Asiago cheese, Cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon, stirring to combine.
- Spread the dip in a 9" (22cm) heat-proof baking dish and spread the remaining Asiago cheese over the top. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot or at room temperature with crostini or buttery crackers.
Notes:
Caramelize the onions slowly over medium-low heat to bring out deep sweetness and complexity before adding them to the dip.
Nutrition:
Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 906mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 384IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 1mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS?
TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM TO BE FEATURED ON MY STORIES! @cookingwithcocktailrings
I Love this dip! I have added it to my trio of gameday dips (this, the white bean dip and the buffalo chicken dip) and the bowls are licked clean every time! I think I am going to start doubling the recipes.
Love a good game day dip!! Happy it made the rotation!