Charleston Cheese Dip
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One of the best things about blogging is the incredible community that comes with it. Over at Mommy’s Kitchen, I spotted a delicious recipe for Charleston Cheese Dip that immediately caught my attention—perfect for a Super Bowl party or any gathering where good food is a must! Through blogging, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people from all over the country, and Tina from Mommy’s Kitchen is one of them. Not only do I adore her recipes, but I’ve been lucky enough to hang out with her on a few occasions. Tina, you’re the best! I just wish we lived closer so we could cook together more often.
Now, let’s talk about this dip—it’s a true game-day winner. I mean, can you think of anyone who would say no to 3 kinds of cheese and crispy bacon? This cheesy, creamy base with crunchy top has everything you’d want in a warm, comforting appetizer. Tina’s version comes straight from Trisha Yearwood’s cookbook, and after trying it, I knew I had to make my own adaptation. I kept all the rich, bold flavors but lightened it up just a bit for a slightly healthier take.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, indulgent, and guaranteed to be a hit, this yummy Charleston Cheese Dip is it. Whether you’re serving it with chips, crackers, or toasted bread, get ready for guests to come back for seconds—maybe even thirds! Let me know if you give it a try! You’ll be in dip heaven!
Ingredients for Charleston Cheese Dip
- MAYONNAISE
- LIGHT CREAM CHEESE
- SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE
- MONTEREY JACK CHEESE
- GREEN ONIONS
- CAYENNE PEPPER
- RITZ CRACKERS
- BACON
Instructions for Charleston Cheese Dip
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or prepare a small shallow baking dish or 9-inch pie pan.
Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, green onions, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Stir until well blended.
Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
Add the crunchy topping: Sprinkle cracker crumbs evenly over the top to create a crispy, golden crust.
Bake & melt the flavors: Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Finish with bacon: Remove from the oven and immediately top with cooked, crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.
Serve warm & enjoy!: Pair with corn chips, bagel chips, or your favorite crackers. I personally love it with Ritz for that perfect buttery crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Charleston Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add the cracker topping and bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I freeze Charleston Cheese Dip?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cheese and mayonnaise may change when thawed.
What crackers or chips pair best with this dip?
Corn chips, bagel chips, and buttery Ritz crackers are all great options for scooping up this cheesy goodness!
Can I add extra ingredients to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Try mixing in chopped jalapeños, caramelized onions, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Can I make this dip without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Charleston Cheese Dip
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup light mayonnaise
- 8 oz pkg light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- dash cayenne pepper
- 8 Ritz crackers crushed
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, green onions and cayenne pepper until well blended. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and spread even in the dish. A pie plate works perfectly.
- Top mixture with cracker crumbs and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the pan from the oven and top with the bacon. Serve immediately with corn chips, bagel chips or crackers. I loved it with Ritz.
