Charleston Cheese Dip

We grilled hamburgers with a few friends after the Thanksgiving eat-a-thon last week, and I needed a little snacky bite while people were waiting for dinner. Since I had not consumed enough rich, calorie filled food prior to the hamburger dinner (ha!), I decided we needed a really good dip with lots of melted cheese. I made a Charleston Cheese Dip that is incredible. The consumption rate may have been faster than the Hot Vidalia Onion Dip, which I did not think possible.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. mayonnaise
• 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 1 c. grated sharp Cheddar cheese (I used Cracker Barrel)
• 1/2 to 1 c. Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 butter crackers, crushed (I used Ritz)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Frito scoop chips, more Ritz crackers, or pita chips for serving

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish. I used a quiche dish. A 9-inch pie pan will work too.
• Top the mixture with cracker crumbs and bake until heated through, browned on the top, and bubbly around the edges.
• Remove from the oven and top with the bacon.
• Serve immediately with chips or crackers.