Servings: 6–8 people

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Let’s Talk About This Dip

Okay, if you love creamy, cheesy, smoky, salty things, this dip is calling your name.

I first whipped this up on a Sunday afternoon when I had leftover bacon and some random cottage cheese in the fridge—and WOW.

It’s everything I want in a snack: creamy, rich, full of sharp cheddar, and with smoky, crispy bacon in every bite.

Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. No fancy stuff. Just stir, heat, and enjoy.

this recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

This one’s a go-to in our house when we want something warm, cheesy, and fast. Here’s why:

• Smoky + cheesy + creamy = perfect combo
• It’s mostly pantry + fridge staples (bacon, cheese, cottage cheese)
• No fancy baking—just heat it through
• It works for parties OR a Netflix night snack
• Tastes amazing with crackers, veggies, or even scooped onto toast

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy, then crumbled
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup cottage cheese (I use full fat for the best texture)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula or spoon
• Skillet (for cooking the bacon)
• Microwave-safe bowl (or small baking dish if warming in the oven)
• Measuring spoons
• Cheese grater

Pro Tips

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly.
• Use room temp cream cheese: It blends so much easier and smoother.
• Don’t skip the smoked paprika: It gives that extra smoky depth without making it spicy.
• Taste as you go: Some bacon is saltier than others, so adjust seasoning at the end.
• Reheat gently: Microwave in 20-second bursts or warm it on low heat so it stays creamy, not oily.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little spice.
• Sub plain Greek yogurt for sour cream if you like.
• Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon works great too.
• Add a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Stir in a handful of caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Mix everything except the bacon the day before. Add the bacon right before heating so it stays crispy.
• Or cook the bacon ahead of time and keep it separate until ready to serve.

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

• Cottage cheese = creamy & protein-packed base
• Cheddar melts for gooey texture and sharp flavor
• Cream cheese + sour cream smooth it all out
• Smoked paprika and bacon bring the smoky, salty balance
• Heating it gently keeps the fats from separating and gives you that perfect scoopable dip.

Common Mistakes

• Using pre-shredded cheese: It won’t melt as smoothly.
• Overheating: Can make the dip greasy. Warm it just until melty.
• Not softening the cream cheese: Makes it hard to stir everything together.
• Adding bacon too early: If you mix bacon in way ahead of time, it loses that crispy bite.

What to Serve With

• Crunchy tortilla chips
• Pretzel crisps
• Sliced baguette
• Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
• Crackers or pita chips

Macros (per serving, based on 8 servings, estimated):

• Calories: ~230
• Protein: ~12g
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbs: ~3g

FAQ

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
You can, but the texture will be thinner and less creamy.

Does this dip reheat well?
Yes! Just heat gently so it stays smooth.

Can I make it in the oven instead of the microwave?
Totally. Warm at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

How smoky is it?
The smoked paprika and bacon give it a mild smokiness. You can always add more paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for extra kick.

How to Make Smoky Bacon Cheddar Cottage Cheese Dip

Step 1: Cook the Bacon until Crispy, then Crumble

Fry or bake your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble it into little bite-sized bits.

Step 2: Shred the Cheddar Cheese

Grab a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself for the best melt.

Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Half the Bacon

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Save the rest of the bacon for topping later.

Step 5: Heat Until Warm and Melty

Microwave the dip in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warm and melty (about 2-3 minutes total). Or bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Step 6: Top with Bacon & Chives, Serve Warm

Sprinkle the remaining bacon and fresh chopped chives over the top. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.

Leftovers & Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave in 20-second bursts until warmed through, stirring in between.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love this Smoky Bacon Cheddar Cottage Cheese Dip as much as I do! It’s cozy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing (or not—no judgment). If you make this dip, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. Got questions? I’m always happy to help!