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Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip

bacon cheeseburger queso dip - featured image

This Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—smoky bacon, seasoned beef, tangy pickles, and melty cheese—into a creamy, crowd-pleasing party appetizer. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon)
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles, diced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (for topping)
  • Diced tomatoes (for topping)
  • Extra pickles (for topping)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
  • Tortilla chips, waffle fries, or toasted baguette slices (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Place chopped bacon in a cold large skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 8 minutes). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan, draining the rest.
  2. Add ground beef to the same skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in ketchup and mustard. Cook for 1 minute, letting the flavors combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If using, add diced pickles now. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling but not brown. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Once the milk mixture just starts to simmer, add cream cheese cubes. Stir until fully melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, until melted and creamy. Sprinkle in smoked paprika if using.
  6. Add the cooked beef mixture (and half the bacon) into the queso. Stir well to combine. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until everything is hot and bubbly. If dip seems too thick, add a splash more milk.
  7. Transfer queso dip to a serving bowl or shallow baking dish. Top with reserved bacon, green onions, diced tomatoes, extra pickles, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
  8. If serving over a long party, keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting, stirring occasionally.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or thicken with cornstarch. For vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat, vegan bacon, and dairy-free cheese. Always use low heat when melting cheese to prevent graininess. Prep bacon and beef ahead for easy party assembly. If dip thickens, stir in a splash of milk and gently reheat. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.

Nutrition

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