Loaded Baked Potato Dip

The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the bowl for twenty minutes straight. She kept saying 'just one more chip' while everyone else laughed and jockeyed for position around the coffee table. Now it's the most requested item at every gathering, and I've learned to make double portions because it disappears faster than you can say 'touchdown.'

Last winter, my neighbor texted at 9 PM desperate for something to bring to her office potluck the next morning. I walked over with a container of this dip and a bag of chips, and she texted me three hours later saying people were literally scraping the bowl. Something about the familiar comfort food flavors makes people feel instantly at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream: This creates the silky base that lets all the other flavors shine without feeling heavy
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: Sharp cheese gives you that tangy punch you expect from a baked potato topping
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and helps the dip hold its structure on chips
• 6 slices bacon: The absolute non-negotiable star that provides salty crunch in every bite
• 3 green onions: Fresh onion brightness cuts through all that creamy richness
• 2 tbsp fresh chives: These deliver that delicate onion flavor you get on restaurant baked potatoes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor profile without being overwhelming
• 1/2 tsp onion powder: Reinforces the baked potato authenticity we're going for
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough to wake up your palate
• 1/4 tsp salt: Adjust based on how salty your bacon turned out
• 8 oz thick-cut potato chips: Sturdy chips are crucial here because flimsy ones will snap under this hearty dip

Instructions

Cook your bacon until perfectly crisp:

Fry those slices over medium heat until they're completely crunchy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces once they're cool enough to handle.

Mix the creamy base:

Combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl until completely smooth.

Fold in all the good stuff:

Gently stir in the crumbled bacon, green onions, and chives, but save a little of each for that beautiful garnish on top.

Make it look pretty:

Transfer to your serving bowl and sprinkle those reserved toppings across the surface so people know exactly what they're getting into.

Serve it up:

This dip is fantastic right away, but letting it hang out in the fridge for a few hours actually makes the flavors meld together even better.

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My teenage son, who usually survives on cereal and protein bars, actually asked me to teach him how to make this. He made it for his gaming group and came home beaming because they voted him 'best cook of the year.' There's something incredibly satisfying about watching a simple dish become someone's new favorite thing.

Make-Ahead Magic

I've discovered this dip actually gets better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors have time to really get to know each other, and the texture becomes even creamier. Just hold off on the final garnish until right before serving so it looks fresh and inviting.

Serving Solutions

Beyond the classic potato chip approach, I've served this with pretzel crisps, vegetable sticks, and even small roasted potato wedges for the ultimate loaded potato experience. Sometimes I set out a few different dipping vehicles and let people choose their own adventure.

Flavor Twists

Once you master the classic version, try swapping in smoked gouda for a woodsy twist or adding a tablespoon of diced pickled jalapeños for heat. A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top adds gorgeous color and a subtle smoky undertone that people can never quite identify but absolutely love.

• Try crumbling in some cooked chorizo instead of bacon for a Spanish-inspired variation
• A tablespoon of ranch seasoning powder mixed into the base makes it even more kid-friendly
• For extra freshness, fold in a tablespoon of minced fresh parsley along with the other herbs

Save

Whether it's game day, a casual Friday night, or just Tuesday and you deserve something delicious, this dip never fails to make people happy.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the dip in advance?

Yes, prepare the dip and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.

→ What can I substitute for bacon in this dip?

For a vegetarian option, omit bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives for a similar smoky flavor.

→ Is it possible to lighten the dip?

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to create a lighter, tangier variation without sacrificing creaminess.

→ What chips work best with this dip?

Thick-cut potato chips are ideal for scooping, but kettle-cooked chips, pretzel crisps, or vegetable sticks also complement well.

→ How should I cook the bacon for the dip?

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled for best texture.