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    Home » Recipes » Snacks and Appetizers

    Cheeseburger Dip

    Published: Jan 26, 2023

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    This Hot Cheeseburger Dip is a fun - if artery clogging - twist on tradition. Top with crumbled bacon to make it a bacon cheeseburger dip!

    Originally posted January 8, 2013. Updated 1/26/2023

    A bowl of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and pickles, and surrounded by pita bites and corn tortilla chips.

    With Super Bowl parties right around the corner, creamy cheese dip recipes are on my mind.

    They may just be the perfect appetizer for watching football games, and a fun variation of party dip for your next party or other special occasion - even a summer cookout!

    I’ve posted a few hot cheesy dips already:

    Heart Shaped Beer Pretzels with Jalapeno Jack Dip
    Cheddar Cheese Queso Dip
    Jalapeno Artichoke Cheese Dip
    Jalapeno Popper Dip
    Southwest Fondue

    ... and now I have a an delicious dip for you, based on classic cheeseburger flavours!

    I want to preface this easy dip recipe with a warning that this gooey cheeseburger dip recipe is not high cuisine.

    What a way to start out a recipe, eh?Here's the thing: As I was sauteeing the onions and ground beef, it smelled exactly like White Castle.

    Funny, that such a basic pair of ingredients can have SUCH an association with them.

    Anyway, this recipe started out as a request to make a cheese dip for a batch of Beer Pretzels I'd baked for Porter.

    I had some sharp cheddar, and I had some thawed ground beef - and easy cheeseburger dip hit me as a fun, probably kind of trashy idea to try.

    Porter was skeptical about its viability - kind of a rare state, for him.

    This delicious cheeseburger dip whipped up quickly, and when all was said and done... he loved it!

    It's kind of a rare thing for me to see him surprised anymore, so it was a treat for me, too!

    Oh, and the first thing he said after trying it? That it tasted like White Castle. Uhhh...

    He DID follow it up to say that it was a good thing, so know that we're going for nostalgia here.

    It’s not exactly something I’d suggest for those on a low calorie diet (well, small portions should be Ok...), but it’s an easy recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.

    Top this cheesy goodness with your favorite burger toppings, and you’ve got the perfect dish for the big game or a summer BBQ!

    A close up view of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and sliced pickles.

    Ingredients

    This recipe actually has two main version, with variations that can be made to either one. Whichever way you go, it uses simple ingredients that can be found in any local grocery store.

    Originally, this recipe started out as a super chunky, meat-heavy, richly cheesy dip.

    Ground beef held together with dip, rather than dip with some ground beef in it, would be how I’d describe the difference.

    This is the way I prefer it, but I know a lot of people prefer it the second way - so I’ve included that variation as well.

    The original recipe has a more robust cheeseburger taste, the second recipe is creamier, and closer to a traditional dip.

    This recipe is written such you can start out with the original recipe, and add the additional ingredients if you’d like it creamier.

    Original Recipe

    To make the base cheeseburger dip recipe - which is also the base for the creamier recipe - you’ll need a few basic ingredients, and I have some notes on a couple of those ingredients:

    Lean Ground Beef

    You’ll want to use the leanest ground beef you can. Otherwise, be sure to drain off any excess fat before adding the other ingredients you can.

    Alternately, you can use ground chicken, ground turkey, or even vegetarian ground meat substitute if you prefer.

    We had to stop using ground beef a few years back, so now we make it with ground chicken - pictured.

    Cheese

    I like to use a block of sharp cheddar cheese, which I shred at home.

    Pre-shredded cheese usually has anti-caking ingredients, which can affect how it behaves/tastes when cooked.

    It should still taste good, but it may be a bit thicker than if you shred it yourself - you can always thin it with beef broth or milk.

    Anyway, there are other types of cheese that would work fine in here - mild or medium cheddar, Cheddar Jack, Colby Jack, Monterrey Jack, Swiss, whatever - just use whatever you like on your burger.

    Caveat: Mozzarella doesn’t melt right for use in this recipe.

    Dill Pickles

    Dill pickles serve two purposes in this cheeseburger dip recipe - as chopped pickles, and the brine used to bring some flavour and acidity to the cheesy dip.

    Use whatever type of pickles you like on your burgers. If that’s “bread and butter” pickles, I’ll try not to judge 🙂

    Milk - or Not

    Originally, I made this recipe with 2% milk. Since then, we’ve been making it with either beef broth or unsweetened almond milk.

    Milk - or a plant based milk alternative - makes for a slightly creamier dip, beef broth makes for a bit more robust burger flavour.

    Everything Else

    Rounding out this recipe, you will need:

    An Onion
    Olive Oil or Bacon Grease
    Mustard (We use Dijon)
    Corn starch
    Salt & Pepper

    Creamier Option

    To make the creamier option, you’ll use the ingredients mentioned above, as well as some softened cream cheese, additional milk, additional pickle brine, and additional mustard.

    You can add the cream cheese after the burger meat is cooked, or - as pictured - at the end, if you decide you want it to be the creamer option at the last minute.

    Other Variations

    As written, this is a super basic recipe that is RIPE for customization. A few suggestions:

    Bacon Cheeseburger

    Add some bacon crumbles on top - or IN the dip - for a bacon cheeseburger dip.

    Pro tip #1: Cook your bacon before starting the dip, use bacon grease in place of the olive oil.

    Pro tip #2: Bake your bacon! Line up your bacon slices on a parchment lined baking sheet, bake for 22 minutes or so at 400.

    Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, us paper towels to blot the excess grease off, then crumble bacon into small pieces - easy!

    Add Tomato

    My husband hates tomato, so I left it out entirely.

    You can definitely add a bit of tomato paste when cooking the beef, and/or some ketchup at the end, to taste.

    Chopped tomatoes would also make a great topping!

    Spice it Up

    While I designed this to be themed around a really basic fast food type burger, sometimes we’ll spice it up.

    I like to add some garlic powder and Montreal Steak Spice - have you tried my Montreal Steak Spice Recipe?

    If you like worcestershire sauce, add some, to taste.

    Like a spicy burger? Add some Sriracha, green chiles, or pickled jalapenos.

    Cooking Method

    While I like to make this on the stove top, you could always make it as a crockpot cheeseburger dip.

    I don’t have patience for cooking ground beef and onions in a slow cooker, so the closest I come to this is serving it in a crock pot on low or “keep warm”.

    A bowl of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and pickles, and surrounded by pita bites and corn tortilla chips.

    Serving Hot Cheeseburger Dip

    While we created this as a dip for soft pretzels, it would work with other dippers and finger foods, as well!

    - Tortilla chips, pita wedges / pita chips, bagel chips, crunchy pretzels, kettle-cooked potato chips, etc

    - French fries, potato wedges, golden brown tater tots, etc

    - Fresh veggie sticks (for a bit of balance!)

    Whichever way you go with it, just be sure to keep it warm!

    As for physically serving it, we tend to use our Fondue Pot, but there are other products out there that accomplish the same, sometimes more efficiently.

    There are Mini Crock Pots, Betty Crocker has a cute little Mini Warmer, etc.

    Sure, they're fairly single-objective appliances... but it's a lot better than constantly having to go re-heat your dip during the game!

    A close up view of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and sliced pickles.

    How to Make Cheeseburger Dip

    The full recipe is in the recipe card at the end of this post, here is a visual walk through.

    Finely chop your pickles and onions - the smaller, the more dippable!

    A 2 part image showing the pickles and onion being finely chopped.

    In a large saucepan, medium skillet, or a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef and diced onion in olive oil until beef is cooked through and onions are soft and translucent.

    Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to break the meat in smaller pieces as it cooks.

    A 2 part image showing the onions and ground beef being cooked together.

    Once cooked through, turn the element down to medium heat, and add in chopped pickles and mustard, stirring until well incorporated.

    Add milk and pickle brine, continue stirring until also fully incorporated. Heads up: it will NOT look appetizing at this point, don’t worry when you see it!

    A 4 part image showing the pickles, mustard, and milk being added to the pan.

    In a separate, medium bowl, toss cheese with cornstarch.

    A 2 part image showing the corn starch being added to the cheddar cheese and mixed in,

    Add about half of the cheese to the pot, stirring until melted in. Add the rest, continue stirring until everything is melted and smooth.

    Season dip mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

    A 2 part image showing the cheese being added to the pot and stirred in.

    Pour mixture into your serving dish, sprinkle garnish on top of the dip (if using).

    Serve hot, with a large bowl of dippers!

    For the Creamier option:

    You can add the cream cheese in right after the ground meat is cooked, stirring until it’s melted and smooth.

    Alternately, if you decide you’d rather do the creamy option at the last minute, you can add the cream cheese towards the end, stirring to melt and incorporate it before adding the additional liquids.

    You’ll need the additional liquids called for to thin it out a bit - and the pickle brine helps cut the richness of the cream cheese.

    A 2 part image showing the cream cheese being added to the dip and stirred in.

    Leftover Dip

    Leftover dip can be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.

    I like to store it in a microwave safe baking dish (Or small bowl, depending on how much is leftover!), for easy reheating.

    A bowl of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and pickles, and surrounded by pita bites and corn tortilla chips.

    Looking for More Recipes for "The Big Game"?

    ... or other watching party, or just to up your snack food game for the hell of it? I've got you covered - here are some favorite recipes!

    40+ Fantastic Wing Recipes
    Bacon Jalapeno Poppers - Smoked
    Bacon Roasted Potato Skins
    Baked Reuben Poppers
    Beer Pretzels with Jalapeno Jack Dip
    Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Dip
    Fat Elvis Cupcakes
    Game Day Popcorn
    Ginger Wasabi Dip
    How to Cook Perogies in an Air Fryer
    Baked Jalapeno Artichoke "Backfire" Dip
    Jalapeno Beer Brittle
    Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Pretzels
    Perogy Pizza
    Porter House Guacamole
    Porter's Epic Popcorn
    Queso Dip from Scratch
    Sauerkraut Buns
    Smoked Cheese Balls
    Smoked French Fries

    A bowl of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and pickles, and surrounded by pita bites and corn tortilla chips.

    Share the Love!

    Before you chow down, be sure to take some pics of your handiwork! If you Instagram it, be sure to tag me - @CelebrationGenerationCA - or post it to My Facebook Page - so I can cheer you on!

    Also, be sure to subscribe to my free monthly email newsletter, so you never miss out on any of my nonsense. Well, the published nonsense, anyway!

    Finally, if you love this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating and/or a comment below, and maybe even sharing this post on social media!

    A bowl of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and pickles, and surrounded by pita bites and corn tortilla chips.

    A bowl of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and pickles, and surrounded by pita bites and corn tortilla chips.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 6 votes

    Cheeseburger Dip

    This Hot Cheeseburger Dip is a fun - if artery clogging - twist on tradition. Top with crumbled bacon to make it a bacon cheeseburger dip!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: American, glue
    Servings: 6 People
    Calories: 308kcal
    Author: Marie Porter

    Equipment

    1 medium saucepan

    Ingredients

    Original Recipe:

    • 1 Small Onion finely chopped
    • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef can use ground pork or chicken
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Bacon Grease
    • ¼ cup Finely Chopped Dill pickles
    • 2 tablespoon Mustard we use Dijon
    • ⅓ cup Milk
    • ⅓ cup Pickle Brine
    • 8 oz Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
    • 2 tablespoon Corn starch
    • Salt & Pepper

    Creamier Option:

    • 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
    • ¼ cup Additional Milk
    • 2 tablespoon Additional Pickle Brine
    • Additional mustard to taste

    Instructions

    • In a large saucepan, cook onion and ground beef in olive oil until beef is cooked through and onions are soft and translucent.
    • Add in chopped pickles and mustard, stirring until well incorporated.
    • Add milk and pickle brine
      , continue stirring until also fully incorporated.
      Heads up: it will NOT look appetizing at this point, don’t worry when you see it!
    • In a separate bowl, toss cheese with cornstarch.
    • Add about half of the cheese to the pot, stirring until melted in. Add the rest, continue stirring until everything is melted and smooth.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Serve hot!

    For the Creamier option:

    • You can add the cream cheese in right after the ground meat is cooked, stirring until it’s melted and smooth.
      Alternately, if you decide you’d rather do the creamy option at the last minute, you can add the cream cheese towards the end, stirring to melt and incorporate it before adding the additional liquids.
      You’ll need the additional liquids called for to thin it out a bit - and the pickle brine helps cut the richness of the cream cheese.

    Notes

    See post for important information on variations, including the optional use of cream cheese. Nutritional info provided is for the original recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 787mg | Potassium: 352mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 2mg

    A bowl of hot cheeseburger dip, topped with bacon and pickles, and surrounded by pita bites and corn tortilla chips.

    Older Photos

    We recently re-shot this recipe (after a decade!), so here are the old photos for posterity... and to avoid breaking any old links 🙂

    A bowl of a chunky orange cheese dip in a blue bowl. There is a big pretzel next to the bowl, and a cat sniffing the dip.

    Turbo was VERY interested...


    A bowl of a chunky orange cheese dip in a blue bowl. There is a big pretzel next to the bowl.
    A bowl of a chunky orange hot cheeseburger dip in a blue bowl. There is a big pretzel next to the bowl.
    A bowl of a chunky orange hot cheeseburger dip in a blue bowl. There is a big pretzel next to the bowl.
    A bowl of a chunky orange cheese dip in a blue bowl. There is a big pretzel next to the bowl.
    A bowl of a chunky orange hot cheeseburger dip in a blue bowl. There is a big pretzel next to the bowl.

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    « Peanut Butter Banana Bread
    Dill Pickle Dip »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura Catania

      January 08, 2013 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      Geez Marie, I may just have to ruin my diet with this. It sounds excellent :).

      Reply
      • Marie Porter

        January 08, 2013 at 12:15 pm

        I'm sorry! I know it's totally junky, but it makes really great "guilty pleasure" comfort food!

        Reply
    2. Mamaria

      February 04, 2017 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for my grandson's birthday. It did not disappoint and there were no leftovers. I kept it in a small crock pot on low to keep it warm during the party. This is a definite winner, awesome for a Super Bowl party.

      Reply
      • Marie Porter

        February 06, 2017 at 6:27 am

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

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    Marie Porter


    Evil Cake Overlord, All -Around Kitchen Badass!

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