This creamy Bacon Tomato Dip is perfect for gatherings! With crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy goodness, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Honestly, who can resist bacon? I love serving this dip with crunchy chips or veggies. You’ll find everyone coming back for more—and maybe even a little stealing! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The star of this dip! I love crispy bacon for its crunchy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey bacon or even bacon bits as a time-saver.
Cream Cheese: This gives your dip that creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese. It will alter the flavor a bit but keeps it delicious!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add juiciness. For a different twist, canned diced tomatoes can work too, but be sure to drain them well. Cherry tomatoes also make a great, sweet choice!
Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. If you don’t have it, dried parsley or even chives can be good substitutes. Just use about a third of the amount if going with dried herbs.
How Do I Get My Bacon Extra Crispy?
Crispy bacon makes this dip unforgettable! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook bacon over medium heat to avoid burning it quickly. Let it sizzle for 5-7 minutes.
- Turn the bacon occasionally for even cooking. It will shrink and become nice and crispy!
- Using a pan with a good non-stick surface helps, but a cast-iron skillet gives a great crispy texture.
- Once done, always drain on paper towels to absorb that excess fat!
These tips will ensure your bacon has the perfect crunch to complement the creamy dip!
Bacon Tomato Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers or vegetable sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bacon Tomato Dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and is best served fresh. If you prefer the flavors to meld together, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before serving. Total time is around 45 minutes if you include chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Fry it for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease. Allow it to cool, then chop the bacon into small pieces, but remember to save a few pieces whole for a garnish!
2. Mixing the Creamy Base:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will form the rich base of your dip!
3. Adding Flavor and Texture:
Next, gently fold in the diced tomatoes, chopped bacon pieces, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the creamy mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined and evenly distributed. Be careful not to break up the tomatoes too much!
4. Final Touches:
Transfer the dip into a serving bowl. Top it with the reserved larger pieces of bacon, a sprinkle of paprika, and a bit more chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.
5. Serving:
Your Bacon Tomato Dip is now ready! Serve it immediately with your favorite crackers or crunchy vegetable sticks for dipping. If you like, you can also chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors develop further. Enjoy this delicious dip at your next gathering!
This dip is rich, creamy, and packed with smoky flavors from the bacon that everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, you can try using ricotta or a blend of Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for a lighter dip. Just be aware that it might slightly change the texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply give it a good stir before serving. You might want to freshen it up with a little more chopped tomato or parsley!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Tomatoes?
No problem! You can use canned diced tomatoes, but make sure to drain them well. Alternatively, sundried tomatoes can add a distinct flavor if you’re looking for a twist!
Can This Dip Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to add the reserved bacon pieces on top right before serving for the best presentation and crunch!
