Baked Egg Cheese Spread
Rich, creamy, and wonderfully nostalgic, this Baked Egg Cheese Spread — sometimes known as Humpty Dumpty Dip — is the kind of warm, cheesy appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “party dip.” It’s built on a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar, with chopped hard-boiled eggs folded in for extra body and richness. Once baked until hot and bubbly, it turns into a golden, savory spread that’s irresistible with crackers, pita chips, or crusty bread.
This recipe has that perfect combination of familiar comfort and a little surprise. The eggs give it a creamy, velvety texture that’s surprisingly decadent, while the cheese and seasonings bring all the flavor. A touch of smoked paprika and green onion brightens every bite, and if you want to go all out, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon on top makes it even better.
Whether you serve it as an appetizer for holidays, game day, or brunch, this dip is guaranteed to be the first thing everyone reaches for.
Ingredients for Baked Egg Cheese Spread
- Hard-boiled eggs – The heart of the dip, giving it creaminess and a little extra protein.
- Cream cheese – Softened so it blends smoothly and forms the base of the spread.
- Sour cream – Adds tanginess and helps the dip stay soft and scoopable.
- Mayonnaise – Contributes richness and ties the flavors together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the creamy base and adds sharp flavor.
- Green onions – Give freshness and a mild bite.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – Create that savory background flavor.
- Smoked paprika – Adds warmth, color, and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that bring balance.
- Optional bacon – For a salty, crispy finish that takes it over the top.
Step-by-Step Baked Egg Cheese Spread
STEP 1 – Prepare the Eggs
Boil the eggs until firm, about 10 minutes, then drain and cool them under cold water. Peel and chop the eggs into small, even pieces. You want them bite-sized but not mashed — they’ll mix better and keep their texture once baked into the cheese mixture.
STEP 2 – Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and well combined. This trio forms the luxurious foundation of the dip. The sour cream adds a little tang, while the mayo ensures the texture stays silky rather than heavy.
STEP 3 – Add the Seasonings and Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed. The combination of sharp cheese and warm spices will give the dip that cozy, crowd-pleasing flavor.
STEP 4 – Fold in the Eggs
Gently fold in the chopped eggs and bacon (if using). You don’t want to mash them; the pieces of egg should stay visible and give the dip its unique texture. This step transforms the mixture from just another cheese dip into something special — hearty, rich, and satisfying.
STEP 5 – Bake Until Bubbly
Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish or oven-safe skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
STEP 6 – Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika and chopped green onions on top before serving. Serve warm with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crispy pita chips for dipping.
Can I Serve It Cold Instead of Baked?
Yes! This dip works beautifully either way. If you prefer a cold, creamy spread, simply chill it for at least 30 minutes after mixing. The flavors meld together as it rests, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining or a quick lunch spread.
What Kind of Cheese Works Best?
Sharp cheddar gives the best balance of flavor and melt, but you can mix things up. Try adding a bit of Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or Parmesan for a salty kick. A sprinkle of mozzarella melts beautifully on top if you’re baking it.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely. Crumbled bacon is classic, but you can also stir in chopped jalapeños for spice, chives for freshness, or even a little hot sauce for extra heat. Diced pimentos or roasted red peppers also add color and a hint of sweetness.
Helpful Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: It blends much more easily and keeps the dip smooth.
- Taste before adding salt: Sauces, cheese, and bacon already bring some saltiness.
- Don’t overbake: The dip should be creamy, not dry — pull it once the top bubbles gently.
Serving Ideas for Baked Egg Cheese Spread
This creamy dip is perfect with crackers, baguette slices, or pretzel chips, but it’s also amazing spread over toast, stuffed into celery sticks, or served alongside fresh vegetables for dipping. For brunch, try spooning it over baked potatoes or using it as a warm spread for breakfast sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm and creamy again. If serving cold, just give it a quick stir before setting it out.
Creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor, this Baked Egg Cheese Spread proves that a simple combination of everyday ingredients can become something truly crowd-worthy — an appetizer that feels both familiar and a little bit special.
Baked Egg Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 1 cup approximately 240 g cultured sour cream
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus more for topping
- 1 cup about 120 g sharp yellow cheddar, coarsely grated
- 1 package 8 oz / 225 g cream cheese, brought to room temperature
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to preference
- ½ cup roughly 120 g full-fat mayonnaise
- 12 large hard-cooked eggs peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder
- 3 scallions finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 3 slices crisp-cooked bacon crumbled
Instructions
- Boil a dozen eggs until hard-cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool slightly, peel off the shells, and chop the eggs into small bits.
- In a spacious bowl, use a mixer or spoon to blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture becomes creamy and well incorporated.
- Incorporate the grated cheddar, minced scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the creamy mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and crumbled bacon, if using, ensuring even distribution without mashing the eggs.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to harmonize. Prior to serving, sprinkle a light dusting of smoked paprika over the top for visual appeal.