I wasn’t going to share this appetizer. One of my first recipes on this site is my favourite, Hot Cheesy Spinach Dip which is truly my go-to snack, but then I started craving bacon and warm gooey cream cheese loaded with dill and garlic and extra melty cheddar with bread to dip and I knew I had to share this one. I think this time of year always makes me want hot snacks and this Bacon Cheddar Canoe Dip is perfect for that. And besides who couldn’t use another craveable dip in their repertoire?
All the credit for this dip goes to my sister-in-law Ashley, well technically she got the dip from a friend. She’s made this a few times and it’s addictive. When you can’t stop at one scoop, feel free to blame her. I do! It’s ridiculous, first, let’s load it up with the basics of a warm cheese dip. So, we’re talking cream cheese, a must for all your hot dips, and then some sour cream and some cheddar cheese obviously!
But now, here is where this dip takes a turn for the better and we add in the bacon. It’s always welcome, but with this dip, it takes it to the next level. For real, it’s SO good! Of course, we add a few onions and a couple of spices, cause that’s how our dips roll! I have only taken a few liberties with my sister-in-law’s version of this recipe, but honestly, it hasn’t changed much at all, because it’s just that good. So let’s get to it!
How to make Bacon Cheddar Canoe Dip
Have you guessed why we call this dip canoe dip? It’s all because of the shape of the bread. Using a french loaf really lends itself to the canoe shape and so it just makes sense. I personally think any bread will do. I’m a huge fan of sourdough, so, if you can’t find a canoe-shaped loaf, just grab your personal favourite along with a few crackers! In fact, the loaf in the photos is actually a Chicago Italian loaf from Publix (it was GOOD!).
So, to start this dip, you’ll want to slice off the top and hollow out the french loaf, or your bread of choice, so that you can stuff it with the dip when it’s mixed. I like to leave about a 1/2 inch of bread in the loaf. Keep the extra bread and cube it for dipping!
Next, you’ll want to cook the bacon. I like my bacon crispy, so that’s how I make it, but I’ve had this dip with bacon that’s a little on the wiggly side and it’s still good. I will always suggest crispy bacon, but really, go with your gut here! Drain it on a few paper towels and cut or crumble it.
Mix together the cream cheese and sour cream until it’s fully combined, add in the spices and mix. Then stir in the rest of the ingredients and scoop this into the french bread. Cover it back up with the crust that you cut off from the top of the bread and wrap the whole loaf in tin foil. Bake for about 40 minutes or until bubbly and serve immediately. I love dipping this with the leftover bread cubes, but tortilla chips and crackers are great options too!
Bacon, cream cheese and cheddar is always a great mix, but then add in dill and garlic and serve it in a bread canoe and you’ve got a dip that is irresistible AND one of the best! It’s a great potluck appetizer too, no dishes left behind, everyone appreciates that!
If you love Bacon Cheddar Canoe Dip, check out these other delicious dip recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:
- Everybody’s Favourite Chicago Dip
- Creamy Feta Party Dip with Bruschetta Topping
- Homemade Holiday Cheese Spread
If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!
Want more? Subscribe to Candy Jar Chronicles to be amongst the first to know about new content, delivered right into your inbox! To subscribe please enter your email in the subscription box located on the right-hand side of this page and press subscribe.
Bacon Cheddar Canoe DIp
An irresistible hot cheesy dip that's loaded with bacon and a bit of dill in a fun canoe-shaped bread loaf, hence the name!
INGREDIENTS
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced fine
- 2 tsp dill weed
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 french loaf (canoe shaped)
INSTRUCTIONS
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Roast bacon in the oven or in a frying pan until cooked and crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
-
While the bacon is cooking, slice off the top crust and hollow out the bread loaf. Cut the inside bread into cubes and set aside. Reserve the top crust as well.
-
Mix together the cream cheese and sour cream until fully combined. Mix in spices and stir in cheddar, bacon and onions.
-
Scoop the mixture into the hollow out bread loaf and replace the top crust. Wrap the whole loaf in foil and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the dip is hot and the cheese is melted. Serve with leftover bread cubes.
RECIPE NOTES
Adapted from A. Cumming’s recipe (originally A. Davis’ recipe).