First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, you can take care of the mixing and prep. A hot oven ensures that your dip will bake perfectly, with that golden, bubbly cheese topping we all love.

Now comes the fun part—making the creamy base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. You want these to be soft and well-blended, so I usually let the cream cheese sit out for a bit before I start mixing. It makes everything smoother and easier to incorporate.

Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend the ingredients until they’re smooth and creamy. If you’re in a rush, a whisk will do the job, but I love how quickly a hand mixer speeds things up. The texture of the dip is really what makes it so irresistible, so take your time to get it just right.

Once the creamy base is ready, it’s time to add the fun stuff—cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and seasoning. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s evenly distributed. The cheese will start to melt into the mixture, and you’ll notice how wonderfully rich and creamy it looks.

Pro Tip: Save some of the bacon to sprinkle on top before baking. It’ll add an extra layer of crunch and make the dip even more irresistible when it’s done.

Now, transfer your dip mixture into a baking dish. I use a standard 8x8-inch dish, but a slightly larger or smaller dish will work too—just adjust the cooking time if necessary. Spread the dip evenly in the dish and sprinkle with a little extra cheddar cheese on top. This creates a deliciously cheesy crust that everyone loves.

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you’re like me, you’ll want to check it towards the end and maybe even let it bake a bit longer if you love that crispy, cheesy top. I’ve been known to let it go for a few extra minutes to get the perfect golden finish.

Note: The smell while it’s baking is pure heaven. I guarantee your kitchen will start to smell amazing, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!

Once the dip is baked and bubbly, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop up. If you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of green onions for some fresh color and flavor.

Serve it with your favorite dipping options: chips, crackers, veggies, or even slices of toasted bread. I love using tortilla chips, but carrot sticks and celery also work surprisingly well to balance the richness of the dip. The dip is so creamy that it’s practically begging to be dipped into!