Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Dip with Bacon and Cheddar

Loaded Baked Potato Chip Dip

Welcome back to my appetizer series! And let me tell you — this one might be the most dangerous yet. If you love loaded baked potatoes piled high with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions, this dip is about to rock your world.

It’s creamy, savory, packed with texture, and absolutely perfect for scooping up with thick, salty potato chips. Whether it’s game day, a holiday gathering, or just a Friday night snack situation, this Loaded Baked Potato Chip Dip disappears fast.

Let’s make it.


Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something about the flavor combo of a loaded baked potato that just hits every single time. Salty bacon. Sharp cheddar. Creamy base. A little crunch from onions and pickles. It’s comfort food in dip form.

Here’s why this one stays on repeat in my kitchen:

  • No baking required
  • Easy make-ahead recipe
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd
  • Packed with bold, savory flavor
  • Customizable to your taste

If you’re a dip lover like me, you already know how quickly something like This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes vanishes. This potato dip is right up there with it.


Ingredients

  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 16 oz sour cream
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tsp garlic seasoning (or to taste)
  • 3 tsp onion powder (or to taste)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped pickles (bread and butter style works great)
  • 6 pieces cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1–2 tbsp chopped green onions (for topping)

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

  • Pickles: Bread and butter add a slight sweetness, but dill works beautifully too.
  • Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, but smoked cheddar is incredible here.
  • Bacon: Use thick-cut for extra texture. Turkey bacon also works.
  • Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt in place of some sour cream.
  • Spice boost: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Chip Dip

Step 1: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

In a pan over medium heat, add olive oil and diced yellow onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. (This step adds depth of flavor — don’t skip it!)

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and fully blended.

Add garlic seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

Fold in:

  • Cooled onion and garlic mixture
  • Chopped pickles
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Shredded sharp cheddar

Mix until everything is evenly distributed and creamy.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped green onions.

Serve immediately with thick-cut potato chips for dipping.


Tips for Success

  • Let the sautéed onions cool completely before mixing to keep the dip thick.
  • Chill for 30–60 minutes before serving for even better flavor.
  • Use sturdy chips — this dip is thick and loaded.
  • Make it a day ahead for maximum flavor development.

Serving Suggestions

This dip shines with:

  • Classic ridged potato chips
  • Waffle chips
  • Pretzel crisps
  • Toasted baguette slices
  • Fresh veggie sticks

Planning a party spread? Pair it with:

Now you’ve got a full appetizer lineup ready to go.


Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Serving size: About ¼ cup

  • Calories: 320–350
  • Fat: 30g
  • Protein: 8–10g
  • Carbohydrates: 4–6g
  • Sodium: 600–750mg

Values will vary depending on bacon and cheese used.


Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Stir before serving if any separation occurs.
  • Not freezer-friendly due to dairy base.
  • Best served chilled or slightly cool.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re obsessed with bold, cheesy appetizers like I am, don’t miss:


Final Thoughts

This Loaded Baked Potato Chip Dip is creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and packed with everything you love about a loaded potato — but scoopable and shareable.

It’s the kind of appetizer that has people hovering around the bowl asking, “Who made this?!”

If you try it, I’d love to hear what twists you added. Extra bacon? Spicy kick? Dill pickle swap?

Drop your feedback, share it with a friend, and follow along for more crave-worthy appetizers in this series.

– Jason Griffith
ChefManiac.com