Ultimate Creamy Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip: Your New Favorite Party Appetizer

Elevate your snack game with this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Creamy Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip. Imagine all the mouth-watering flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger, transformed into a warm, gooey, dippable experience. Made with cream cheese, quality ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of paprika, this dip is guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering. It’s the perfect blend of savory beef, crispy bacon, and rich, tangy condiments, all melted into a luscious, cheesy base.

This post is sponsored by Red Gold Tomatoes, ensuring you get the best quality ingredients for this amazing dip.

With summer festivities like the 4th of July just around the corner, our thoughts naturally turn to delightful outdoor gatherings, backyard barbecues, and lively pool parties. While many embrace the sunshine, I confess my love for a cool, air-conditioned indoors, especially when the summer heat peaks. But my preference for indoor comfort doesn’t mean I miss out on enjoying all the incredible flavors of summer food. In fact, it often means I’m in charge of the menu, bringing delicious dishes to family and friends.

When planning for these summer get-togethers, my mind immediately jumps to classic American favorites, often starting with grilled avocado burgers. But beyond the main course, there’s one thing I love even more than dessert: snacking! And that, my friends, is where the inspiration for this irresistible Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip truly ignites. It’s a harmonious marriage of the nostalgic aroma and unbeatable taste of a classic summer cheeseburger, coupled with my absolute adoration for savory snacks. Oh, and did I mention bacon? Because you absolutely cannot forget that crispy, salty, glorious bacon!

This isn’t just a basic cheese dip with some ground meat; it’s a genuine cheese burger dip. Every bite delivers that authentic, robust flavor profile, making you feel like you’re sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted BBQ Bacon Burger, just without the bun. What’s the secret to making a dip taste exactly like a burger? It’s all in the condiments!

That’s precisely why I was thrilled to use Red Gold Tomato Ketchup – renowned for being made from the highest-quality, freshest, and best-tasting tomatoes. This premium ketchup, combined with mustard, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, forms the backbone of that quintessential burger flavor. To elevate it further, I incorporated paprika, an ingredient often found in what many call a “special burger sauce,” adding a subtle smoky depth that truly sets this dip apart.

This small-batch cheeseburger dip recipe is perfectly sized to yield approximately 4-6 generous servings, depending on appetites. It’s ideal for a cozy gathering or even as a special treat for two, perhaps for a game day or a movie night. And should you find yourself with any delightful leftovers (a rare occurrence, I assure you!), this versatile dip can be reimagined as a flavorful filling for quesadillas or a decadent grilled cheese sandwich for a quick and easy dinner. It’s truly an all-occasion food, even perfect for a Super Bowl snack for two.

I opted to fully cook this incredible bacon cheeseburger dip on the stovetop, rather than baking it in the oven. Why? Because my gas oven, bless its heart, tends to turn my kitchen into an inferno. Even in the depths of winter, running the oven can bring my entire apartment to a sweltering 75°F. Imagining that extra heat during the summer months was enough to steer me towards a perfectly executed stovetop method, keeping things cool and comfortable in the kitchen.

How To Make Irresistible Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

Crafting this flavorful dip is surprisingly straightforward, and it all starts with building layers of deliciousness right in your skillet. Let’s walk through the steps to achieve that perfect creamy, meaty, and cheesy texture.

1. The Crispy Bacon Foundation

The first crucial step for our bacon cheeseburger dip is, naturally, the bacon. Since we’re sticking to the stovetop, a large skillet is your best friend here. The secret to perfectly crispy bacon and maximum flavor? Start with a cold skillet.

While it might seem counterintuitive, placing your bacon strips in a cold pan and then gradually heating it allows the fat to slowly render out. This slow rendering process is essential for achieving ultra-crispy bacon, as it allows the fat to melt away without burning the meat. As the bacon cooks, it releases delicious drippings into the pan. Do NOT discard these! These rich, savory drippings are the foundation of our dip’s incredible flavor, providing the perfect medium to cook the ground beef and onions later on.

If you were to toss cold bacon into an already hot pan, the fat would seize up immediately, often resulting in rubbery or flabby bacon. While I admit a guilty pleasure for a slightly flabby strip now and then, for this particular cheeseburger dip, you absolutely want those wonderfully crispy bacon bits to add texture and a burst of flavor. A sturdy cast iron pan is ideal for rendering bacon fat, but any large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work beautifully.

After your bacon is cooked to crispy perfection, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Resist the urge to clean the pan; those bacon drippings are staying right where they are!

2. Sautéing the Beef and Onions

With the bacon drippings still in the skillet, it’s time to add your ground beef and diced onion. Cooking these ingredients in the rendered bacon fat infuses them with an unparalleled depth of flavor right from the start. Cook the mixture over medium heat, breaking the ground beef into small, bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon as it browns. You want to ensure the meat is no longer pink, which typically takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your pan’s heat. Once the beef is browned and the onions are softened, add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more until fragrant.

At this stage, it’s important to drain off any excess grease from the pan. While a little fat adds flavor, too much will make your dip oily. Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon or pour out the rendered fat, leaving just enough to keep the mixture moist.

3. The Burger Flavor Burst: Condiments!

Now for the magical transformation! Reduce the heat to low and stir in the essential condiments that give this bacon cheeseburger dip its unmistakable burger flavor profile. As I emphasized earlier, these are the key players!

For the ketchup, I heartily recommend Red Gold Tomato Ketchup. This family-owned company pours passion and care into every product, using only the highest-quality, freshest, and best-tasting tomatoes. Their dedication shines through, and it makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of your dip. I frequently use their canned tomatoes in my one-pot lasagna soup and balsamic tomato skillet chicken, but for a true summer celebration, nothing evokes classic Americana quite like their ketchup on burgers and hot dogs. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to introduce a spicy kick, Red Gold also offers a fantastic Jalapeño Ketchup that would be perfect for a zesty twist on this cheeseburger dip.

Along with the ketchup, incorporate softened cream cheese (cut into smaller pieces for faster melting), mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir continuously over low heat until the cream cheese has completely melted and everything is beautifully combined into a rich, fragrant mixture. This is where the magic truly happens, melding all those distinct burger flavors into a cohesive, creamy base.

4. The Cheesy Finish & Serving

Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue cooking until it’s fully melted and creates a gloriously gooey, unified dip. Since this is a cream cheese-based dip, it will naturally have a thick, luscious consistency, perfect for scooping. However, if you find your dip to be a bit too thick for your liking, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a tablespoon or two of milk until you reach your desired dippable consistency. Taste and adjust for salt if needed, then stir in your crumbled crispy bacon.

Serve this warm, bubbling Bacon Cheeseburger Dip immediately with your favorite dippers. Nachos are a classic choice, but pita chips, sturdy crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh veggie sticks like bell pepper strips and celery make excellent companions.

Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips

One of the best features of this Bacon Cheeseburger Dip is its make-ahead potential! Prepare the dip as directed, allow it to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently. You can warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or transfer it to a slow cooker to keep it warm for a party. As the dip cools, it will naturally thicken, so be sure to stir in a splash of milk or even a bit of broth as you reheat to restore its smooth, dippable texture. This makes it an incredibly convenient option for entertaining, allowing you to prepare much of the work in advance.

More Delicious Recipes Using Ketchup

The beauty of cooking for a small household or simply managing leftovers is discovering the versatility of common ingredients. Beyond squeezing it onto hamburgers and hot dogs, a bottle of ketchup can be a secret weapon in many fantastic dishes. Here are a few creative recipes where ketchup plays an important, flavorful role:

• Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings – A delightful party twist on your favorite Chinese takeout, featuring a tangy, ketchup-based sauce.
• Chipotle Barbecue Lamb Kabobs – BBQ sauce heavily relies on ketchup as its foundational star. Serve these flavorful lamb kabobs straight off the grill alongside your cheesy dip for a complete spread.
• Apple Butter BBQ Potato Salad – A sweet and spicy side dish, perfect to complement any summer gathering or to serve alongside this hearty dip.

Bacon Cheeseburger Dip (Small Batch)

Yield:
4-6 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Creamy skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip with cream cheese, Red Gold ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and paprika – a perfect party appetizer!

Ingredients

• 2 strips uncooked bacon
• 1/2 pound (8 ounces) ground beef
• 1/4 cup diced white onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened and cut into 8 pieces
• 6 tablespoons Red Gold Tomatoes Ketchup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Nachos, for serving

Instructions

1. Add bacon to a large skillet (preferably cast iron) and turn the heat on to medium. Once the bacon starts sizzling, cook on one side until deeply golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and finish cooking the other side for another 2-3 minutes. This slow cooking in a cold pan renders the fat perfectly.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel; gently pat off as much grease as possible. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the crispy bacon into small pieces. Leave the flavorful bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and a generous pinch of salt to the bacon drippings in the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, uniform pieces (this should take about 5-10 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pan.
4. Turn the heat down to low. Add the softened cream cheese pieces, Red Gold Tomato Ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and all ingredients are smoothly combined into a rich, creamy base.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue cooking gently until it has fully melted and the dip is warm and bubbly. Taste the dip and adjust for salt, if needed. Stir in the crumbled crispy bacon just before serving or sprinkle on top. Serve warm with tortilla chips, nachos, or your favorite dippers.

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Red Gold Tomatoes. Thank you for supporting me and the companies I work with as sponsored posts help pay for website hosting and groceries.

This Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a celebration of classic flavors, brought to life in a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying form. Whether you’re hosting a lively summer barbecue, enjoying a cozy game day with loved ones, or simply craving that irresistible burger taste, this dip delivers every time. With its easy stovetop preparation and the authentic taste delivered by quality ingredients like Red Gold Tomato Ketchup, it’s bound to become a fast favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and prepare to delight everyone with this unforgettable Bacon Cheeseburger Dip!