When you take everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger—juicy beef, smoky bacon, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and sweet BBQ sauce—and swirl it into a rich, creamy, slightly boozy dip, you get this absolute show-stopper: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip. It’s smoky, cheesy, tangy, and bold with just the right kick of bourbon to keep things interesting. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or late-night cravings, this dip is pure comfort in every scoop.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dip hits every flavor note: savory, smoky, tangy, and a hint of sweetness from the BBQ sauce and bourbon. It’s the kind of appetizer that gets devoured the moment it hits the table. The bourbon gives the beef a depth of flavor that feels gourmet without being fussy. Paired with melty cheddar and cream cheese for richness, and topped with all the cheeseburger fixings like pickles, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños—this dip is a conversation starter.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup bourbon
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup diced pickles
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños
- ½ cup cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or crusty bread, for serving
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- No bourbon? Use apple juice or omit it altogether—flavor will still be fantastic.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for extra punch.
- Not into heat? Leave out the jalapeños or use mild green chiles instead.
- Want to make it vegetarian? Use plant-based ground beef and omit bacon.
How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Add bourbon: Pour in bourbon and cook for 2–3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off and infuse the meat.
- Mix it up: Stir in BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, diced onion, pickles, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
- Cream it up: Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and everything is fully combined.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish or small slow cooker to keep warm. Serve with tortilla chips or toasted bread slices.
Tips for Success
- Simmer the bourbon long enough to mellow the alcohol and bring out the caramel notes.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for faster, smoother melting.
- For parties, serve this dip in a mini slow cooker to keep it warm and gooey.
- Want it heartier? Stir in some chopped cooked potatoes or top with extra shredded cheese and bake until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dip is a standout with:
- Crispy tortilla chips or grilled slices of baguette
- Paired with Beer Cheese Dip for a cheesy snack duo
- Serve alongside Sheet Pan Quesadillas or Dorito Casserole for a full Tex-Mex-inspired spread
- Add Crockpot Nacho Dip for the ultimate game-day trio
- Pair with crisp pickles and cold beer to complete the bar-food experience
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in short bursts or warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
- Freezer: Not recommended—cream cheese can split when thawed.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Got a crowd to feed or just love cheesy, bold snacks? Check these out:
- Beer Cheese Dip – creamy, sharp, and perfect for pretzels
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – low-effort and always devoured
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip – hot, gooey, and seriously nostalgic
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – quick and great for crowds
- Dorito Casserole – cheesy, crunchy taco-night magic
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip is bold, indulgent, and unapologetically delicious. It’s everything you love about a loaded cheeseburger, wrapped in creamy, scoopable form—and that smoky hint of bourbon takes it straight over the top. Keep this one in your back pocket for parties, game nights, or whenever you need a crowd-pleaser.
Tried it? Let us know how it went and tag us with your best dip shots! Don’t forget to follow for more irresistible appetizers and next-level comfort food.
Leave a Reply