Ingredients:

  • 8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup Sour cream
  • 0.25 cup Whole milk
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp Fresh chives, finely minced
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 2 slices Thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions:

  1. Place 8 oz cream cheese in a bowl and mash with a fork until it looks smooth and glossy. This prevents lumps later.
  2. Whisk in 0.5 cup sour cream until no white streaks remain.
  3. Slowly pour in 0.25 cup whole milk, whisking constantly until the mixture reaches a velvety consistency.
  4. Fold in 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce until the color is uniform.
  5. Sprinkle 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 0.25 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp cayenne, and half the chives into the bowl.
  6. Add 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar until the cheese is evenly distributed. Hand grating ensures a better mouthfeel.
  7. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, saving a little for the top.
  8. Let the dip sit for 5 minutes until the flavors begin to meld.
  9. Top with the remaining chives and bacon bits until it looks party ready.
  10. Dip a pretzel to check the salt level until you're satisfied with the balance.