Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore how simple this recipe is—just six classic ingredients—and how quickly it transforms into a crowd-pleasing snack that feels indulgent yet homemade. It’s refrigerated for a short time, giving the flavors a chance to meld, but it’s ready fast enough for last-minute entertaining.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1½ cups sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup real bacon bits
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 8 fresh chives, finely chopped (or green onions)
directions
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In a medium bowl, I blend together the cream cheese and sour cream until silky smooth.
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I stir in the shredded cheddar, bacon bits, garlic powder, and chopped chives until evenly combined.
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I transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour so flavors come together—though you can serve it sooner if needed.
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Before serving, I give it a gentle stir and top it with a few extra bacon crumbles and chives, then set out Ritz crackers or fresh veggies for dipping.
Servings and timing
I typically get 12 servings, and the recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep, plus 1 hour chilling time.
Variations
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Swap chives with green onions for a sharper note.
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Use vegetarian cheddar or turkey bacon for lighter options.
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Stir in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor or heat.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . There’s no need to reheat—just bring it to room temperature before serving again and give it a quick stir.
FAQs
What crackers or dippers work best?
I love it with Ritz crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies like cucumber slices—anything sturdy enough to scoop.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—I assemble it and refrigerate up to a day in advance. I refresh with extra bacon and chives just before serving.
Is it okay to use store-bought bacon bits?
Absolutely. I use real bacon bits for richer flavor, but high-quality store-bought ones work just fine
Can I lighten it up with low-fat dairy?
You can swap for reduced-fat cream cheese or sour cream, but it may alter the richness slightly.
How do I prevent the dip from going watery?
I ensure all ingredients are well chilled, and I stir gently before serving to maintain a creamy texture.
Conclusion
I always reach for this Million Dollar Boat Dip when I want something effortless yet decadent. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and comes together in minutes—perfect for lazy summer afternoons, boating trips, or just casual get-togethers. I hope it becomes a staple in your snack rotation!
PrintMillion Dollar Boat Dip
This creamy bacon and cheddar dip is the ultimate no-cook party snack. Perfect for boating, BBQs, or casual get-togethers—just mix, chill, and serve!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook / Mix and chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1½ cups sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup real bacon bits
1 tsp garlic powder
8 fresh chives, finely chopped (or substitute green onions)
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the shredded cheddar, bacon bits, garlic powder, and chopped chives until fully combined.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the dip a quick stir and top with extra bacon and chives.
Serve with Ritz crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices.
Notes
Make Ahead: Can be made a day in advance. Refresh with toppings before serving.
Lighter Option: Use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream.
Variations: Try turkey bacon or vegetarian cheese, or mix in sun-dried tomatoes or jalapeños for a flavor twist.
Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. No reheating necessary—just let it come to room temp before serving.
