This Classic Charleston Cheese Dip recipe is packed with cheeses, onion, and crunchy bacon and is ready in under 30 minutes. Once you try it, you’ll know why it’s always the hit of the party!
It’s football season, which means I’m breaking out all of my very favorite appetizer recipes, including this Charleston Cheese Dip I first shared here on the blog a whopping six years ago! (If you like this dip, you’ll also want to try my Baked Bacon Cheddar Dip, Easy Artichoke Dip, or Jalapeño Corn Dips too!)
Just look at the video below, that napping two-year-old I mention is now a third grader! Time flies! (And can I mention as I’m about to turn 40 next month how remarkable it is to see myself at 33 on this video?)
Why I Love Charleston Cheese Dip
There is not much NOT to love about this easy appetizer recipe. I mean, three kinds of cheeses and bacon, need I say more? I also love that this recipe bakes up in just 15 minutes so I can get to snacking quickly!
Ingredients
This recipe is super easy, just a few ingredients you might even already have on hand!
- cheddar cheese
- Monterey jack cheese
- cream cheese
- red onion
- mayonnaise
- cayenne pepper
- Ritz crackers
- bacon
- green onion
How to Make Charleston Cheese Dip
Simply mix cheese, onion, mayonnaise, and pepper in a bowl and spread into a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with the crushed crackers and bake for 15 minutes. Once out of the oven top with crumbled bacon and green onion.
How to Make This Recipe Healthier
As I mention in my video, for a lighter version of this classic Charleston recipe, use reduced-fat cheeses and mayonnaise and use turkey bacon instead of real bacon.
Can I make the Dip Ahead of Time?
This recipe tastes best fresh from the oven but it’s easy to prep the cheese mixture ahead of time. Wait until just before baking to add the crackers so they don’t get soggy.
If you like this recipe, you’ll also enjoy these other fantastic football ready appetizers!
If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
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Charleston Cheese Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Charleston Cheese Dip recipe is packed with cheeses, onion, and crunchy bacon and is ready in under 30 minutes. Once you try it, you’ll know why it’s always the hit of the party!
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz light cream cheese
- 2 tbsp diced red onion
- dash cayenne pepper
- 8 crushed butter crackers
- 4 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- green onion for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine cheeses, mayonnaise, onion, and pepper in bowl and mix until combined.
- Spread mixture in 9″ pie pan and sprinkle with crushed crackers.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
- Top with bacon and green onion and enjoy!
Keywords: charleston, cheese, dip
This recipe was originally shared in November 2013 and updated August 2019 with new photos and additional information.
Ann says
This looks amazing. I might try it with pepper jack as an alternative. Thanks for posting!
★★★★★
Melissa says
yum!
★★★★★