This Hot Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Dip can be made in the slow cooker or topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly! With three types of cheeses, tender-crisp broccoli and salty bacon, this dip is ALWAYS a crowd pleaser! Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.
Cook Bacon: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside to drain.
Saute onion + aromatics: Drain off all but 2 teaspoons bacon grease (reserve remaining bacon grease for another use). Add the diced onion, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from heat.
FOR THE SLOW COOKER: Spray the inside of the slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Transfer the onions and bacon to the slow cooker. Add the cheeses, scallions, sour cream, heavy cream, mayonnaise and Worcestershire. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir until well combined.Cover slow cooker with lid and cook the dip on LOW for 2-3 hours, or until the broccoli is tender, but not mushy, and the cheese is melted, stirring halfway through cook time. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
FOR THE OVEN: Grease an 8-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine onions, bacon, cream cheese, 1 1/4 cup Colby cheese, parmesan cheese, scallions, sour cream, heavy cream, mayonnaise and Worcestershire. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir until well combined.Transfer the dip to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Colby cheese evenly on top of dip. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated throughout. OPTIONAL: During last 3-4 minutes, switch oven to broil for a more golden brown topped dip. Just make sure you keep an eye on it as it can go from delicious to burnt quickly!
To Serve: Garnish with more parmesan and scallions if desired. Enjoy!
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Notes
Broccoli Prep: While I like the actual taste of broccoli in this dip, if you are trying to be more sneaky and serve this to picky eaters, make sure you very finely chop the broccoli before proceeding with the recipe. If you prefer your broccoli on the softer side (versus the tender-crisp side), partially stem the head of broccoli before chopping.
Cooking Method: This hot broccoli and cheese dip can be made one of two ways - either in the crockpot (slow cooker) or in the oven! I have included directions for both in the recipe below. If you are opting to bake this dip, make sure you reserve 1/4 cup of Colby Jack cheese for topping before baking!
Cream Cheese: You can use any type of cream cheese you would like in this dip. If I have it on hand, I prefer whipped cream cheese because it is lends a lighter mouthfeel to the dip.
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.