Description
This Spicy Cheesy Baked Football Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Creamy and packed with bold flavors from cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, and mozzarella, it’s elevated by a spicy kick from jalapeños and cayenne pepper. Topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, this warm, bubbly dip is best enjoyed with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Cream Base
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Serving
- Tortilla chips or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Cream Bases: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a silky texture.
- Season the Mixture: Add the taco seasoning and cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly, giving the dip a flavorful and spicy base.
- Add Cheeses: Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses carefully, making sure the cheeses are well incorporated throughout the dip for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Gently stir in the diced jalapeños, sliced black olives, and diced tomatoes. These add texture and bursts of flavor that complement the creamy cheese mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and spread the mixture evenly into a large, oven-safe baking dish, preparing it for baking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon and chopped green onions evenly over the top to add crunch and savory notes.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top achieves a light golden color.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the dip to cool slightly to set and make serving easier.
- Serve: Serve the warm dip with tortilla chips or sliced baguette, perfect for scooping and sharing.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Fresh jalapeños add more crunch and flavor compared to canned.
- Use a non-stick or greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- This dip can also be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.