Creamy Bacon and Onion Dip
An easy creamy bacon and onion dip that’s rich and savoury, perfect for sharing with crackers or veggie sticks and packed with bacon flavour.
This Creamy Bacon and Onion Dip is so ridiculously addictive that every time I make it, I have to hide it in a secret spot in the fridge, because if my husband gets to it, there will be nothing left for the rest of us!
And honestly, it’s not just my husband. My friends and family rave about this dip every time I serve it at gatherings. They often tell me how much better homemade dips taste compared to store-bought ones, and honestly, they’re right, because nothing beats making your own.
I’ve shared a few favourite homemade dips here, like my Tuna Dip with Avocado and Jalapeños and Japanese Egg Tartar Dip, and this one easily sits alongside them as a go-to recipe.
You’re going to love how quickly this dip comes together. Fry the bacon with garlic and onions, then blend it with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and a touch of honey. In no time, you’ve got a winning dip that works with just about anything.
It’s perfect for sharing at game night, parties or any gathering. Serve it with chips, crackers or toasted baguette slices. For a healthier option, this dip is also delicious with carrot, cucumber and celery sticks.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Bacon and Onion Dip
Here is why you’re going to love this dip!
So creamy with plenty of bacon flavour
Loads of savoury bacon is blended with sour cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese to create an irresistibly creamy dip packed with bold bacon and onion flavour.
Simple ingredients and effortless to make
This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and comes together effortlessly. The bacon, garlic and onions are gently sautéed, then blended with the remaining ingredients to create a seriously addictive dip you’ll want to make again and again.
Make-ahead friendly
This dip is even better when made ahead, as the flavours develop and deepen once chilled in the fridge. Perfect for stress-free entertaining when you’re expecting guests.
Ingredients you’ll need
Streaky bacon – I learned this the hard way, but some bacon brands are much saltier than others. I once used a brand I regularly buy for its smoky flavour, only to find that the salt level in that packet was incredibly high. To be safe, I’ve left added salt out of the recipe and recommend tasting the dip after blending and seasoning carefully if needed. I prefer using streaky bacon, but you can use your favourite style of bacon here.
Cream cheese – Let’s be honest; this is an indulgent dip, so it’s best made with full-fat cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. You can swap these for lighter versions, but keep in mind this will change both the flavour and texture. Personally, I’d rather enjoy the full-fat version and balance it out with healthier dippers like vegetable sticks.
Whole egg mayonnaise – If possible, stick with a good-quality whole egg mayonnaise. It really makes a noticeable difference to both the flavour and the creaminess of the dip.
Honey – The honey or maple syrup helps balance the savouriness of the bacon. You won’t actually taste the sweetness, but you can always adjust it slightly after blending if needed.
How to make Creamy Bacon and Onion Dip
Step-by-step guide
1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the bacon and sauté for 3–5 minutes, or until golden.
2. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Transfer the bacon and onion mixture to a plate and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Place the bacon and onion mixture into a food processor and blitz until it resembles a breadcrumb-like texture. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, honey, and pepper, then process until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add salt carefully only if required, then blend briefly again.
5. Transfer the dip to a sealed container and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to allow it to thicken and for the flavours to develop. For best flavour, chill overnight.
6. Remove the dip from the fridge and stir through half of the chopped chives. Sprinkle chives and bacon (if using) over the top as garnish before serving.
Tips for the best bacon dip
Careful with the salt – I purposely did not include a specific amount of salt in this recipe because the seasoning will depend on how salty the bacon you use is and your personal taste. It’s best to taste the dip after blending and then adjust the seasoning to your liking. Remember, you’ll likely be serving the dip with chips or crackers, which may be already salty.
Bacon texture – If you prefer a smoother dip, don’t over-crisp the bacon. Cook it until golden, then add the onion and garlic and remove from the heat. This keeps the bacon tender and blends more smoothly into the dip.
Use full-fat dairy – While reduced-fat dairy can be used, it will change the flavour and texture of the dip. For the richest, creamiest result, use full-fat cream cheese, sour cream and a good-quality whole egg mayonnaise.
Chilling matters – This dip tastes even better after chilling, as the flavours have time to develop and the texture thickens. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (best overnight) and serve chilled straight from the fridge.
Choose the right crackers – This creamy bacon and onion dip pairs best with plain crackers so the flavour of the dip really shines without competing with anything else. We love it with simple wafer crackers, plain corn chips or plain potato chips, and it’s also delicious served with toasted baguette.
Serving suggestions
This creamy bacon and onion dip pairs perfectly with plain crackers, chips and toasted baguette. It’s also great on any grazing board. For a lighter, crunchy option, serve it with vegetable sticks such as carrots, cucumbers and celery. It also works beautifully as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Variations you can try
Caramelised onions
If you have a little extra time, caramelising the onions before adding them to the dip will add a deeper, slightly sweet flavour.
Cheese
For the cheese lovers, feel free to indulge by stirring through some shredded cheese. Parmesan or cheddar works especially well and adds an extra layer of richness.
Lighten it up
This is a rich dip (and absolutely worth it!), but it can be lightened by using reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also swap the bacon for turkey bacon. Just keep in mind that changing these ingredients will slightly alter the texture and flavour of the dip.
Spice it up
If you love heat like I do and look for any excuse to add chilli, this variation is for you. Stir through chopped pickled jalapeños or fresh chillies to add a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy bacon base.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-ahead tips
This dip tastes even better when made ahead, as chilling allows the bacon and onion flavours to fully develop and the texture to thicken and become creamier. After blending, transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving.
How to store the dip
Store the creamy bacon and onion dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Always use a clean spoon when serving to keep it fresh for longer.
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Nutrition Information
I use a third-party calculator to estimate the nutrition and calorie details. These numbers are only an approximate guide.
Australian Measurements
All measurements on this website use Australian standard cups and spoons. For conversion details, see my Australian Cooking Measurements page.
I’d love your feedback!
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Cheers – Cat T
Creamy Bacon and Onion Dip
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (20ml / 0.7floz) light or regular olive oil
- 140g / 4.9oz streaky bacon, finely chopped (NOTE 1)
- 1 (90g / 3oz) medium brown or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 130g / 4.6oz cream cheese (NOTE 2)
- ½ cup (120g / 4.2oz) sour cream
- ½ cup (120g / 4.2oz) whole egg mayonnaise (NOTE 3)
- 2 tsp honey or maple syrup (NOTE 4)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped chives
Optional garnish
- fried pieces of bacon
- finely chopped chives
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the bacon and sauté for 3–5 minutes, or until golden.
- Add the onion to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Transfer the bacon and onion mixture to a plate and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Place the bacon and onion mixture into a food processor and blitz until it resembles a breadcrumb-like texture. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, honey, and pepper, then process until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add salt carefully only if required, then blend briefly again.
- Transfer the dip to a sealed container and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to allow it to thicken and for the flavours to develop. For best flavour, chill overnight.
- Remove the dip from the fridge and stir through half of the chopped chives. Sprinkle chives and bacon (if using) over the top as garnish before serving.
