Charleston Cheese Dip: A Southern Delight for Every Occasion
When it comes to dips that are guaranteed to be a hit at any party or gathering, few can rival the rich, creamy indulgence of Charleston Cheese Dip. Hailing from the beautiful and historic city of Charleston, South Carolina, this Southern classic has earned its place as a beloved dish at gatherings of all kinds. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family reunion, or just a cozy evening at home, this dip is sure to win over any crowd. The combination of smooth, melted cheeses, savory bacon, a touch of spice, and a crispy cracker topping creates an irresistible dish that’s impossible to resist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dip. Mayonnaise adds richness and smoothness, creating the perfect foundation for the cheeses.
- 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese adds a tangy creaminess to the dip. It helps to thicken the mixture and gives the dip its luscious texture.
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is the star of the dip, providing a bold, tangy flavor. I recommend using a high-quality brand like Cabot Seriously Sharp for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack is a milder, creamier cheese that complements the sharpness of the cheddar. It melts beautifully and adds to the dip’s smooth texture.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped: Green onions offer a mild, fresh onion flavor with a slight tang, cutting through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Dash of cayenne pepper: A subtle touch of heat. The cayenne pepper provides just enough spice to elevate the dip, giving it a flavorful kick without being overpowering.
- 10 Ritz crackers, crushed: The Ritz crackers serve as both a topping and a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip. The buttery flavor of the crackers pairs perfectly with the cheesy base, creating a delightful texture.
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon adds a smoky, savory element that takes this dip to the next level. The crispy bacon provides a satisfying crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you begin mixing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that your dip bakes evenly and reaches the perfect temperature—hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar cheese, grated Monterey Jack cheese, finely chopped green onions, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. The mayonnaise will help bind the cheeses together, creating a luscious base that’s rich and creamy. The green onions provide a fresh, crunchy bite, and the cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the cheese.
Make sure to take your time mixing the ingredients—this ensures that the cheeses are evenly distributed, and the dip will bake uniformly. If you want a smoother texture, you can use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for a minute or two until it’s completely smooth.
3. Transfer to a Baking Dish
Once your cheese mixture is ready, transfer it to a shallow baking dish. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for this recipe, as it gives the dip a rustic touch and helps it brown evenly. Alternatively, you can use any shallow baking dish or casserole dish that you have on hand. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create a level surface.
4. Add the Ritz Crackers
Crush the Ritz crackers in a plastic bag or with a rolling pin until they form small crumbs. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the cheese mixture. The crackers will bake into the dip, creating a crunchy, golden-brown topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base. For an extra indulgent touch, you can add a little extra cheese on top of the crackers before baking, but the amount listed in the recipe will create the perfect balance.
5. Bake the Dip
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The dip will begin to bubble and brown at the edges as it cooks. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. You want the dip to be hot and bubbling, with the top slightly golden. If you prefer a more crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last minute or so to get a beautifully golden-brown finish. This step will give the dip that irresistible bubbly, slightly crunchy crust on top that everyone loves.
6. Add the Bacon
While the dip is baking, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. You can cook the bacon in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven—whichever method you prefer. Once the dip has finished baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy base and the slight heat from the cayenne pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Charleston Cheese Dip immediately while it’s still warm and gooey. It’s perfect for dipping with a variety of accompaniments, including corn chips, pita chips, crackers, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots. The dip is rich enough to be a stand-alone appetizer or side dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, including fried chicken, barbecue, or grilled meats.
This dip is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when it’s still hot and bubbling. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat the dip in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through, and it will still taste just as delicious.
Notes
Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are the classics, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp gouda or smoked cheddar could add a unique twist, or you could use a milder cheese like mozzarella for a more neutral flavor. The key is to use cheeses that melt well, as this will ensure the dip is smooth and creamy.
Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dip, you can add more cayenne pepper or include other hot ingredients, like diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes. You can also swap the Monterey Jack cheese for a spicy pepper jack variety for an extra kick.
Make It Ahead: Charleston Cheese Dip is easy to prepare ahead of time. Simply assemble the dip, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, and enjoy the convenience of a make-ahead appetizer.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist on this dip, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the cheese mixture. This will add extra flavor and texture, and you’ll still get a delicious, cheesy dip that’s perfect for entertaining.