Calico Dip
A creamy, savory dip with melted cheese, chipped beef, and green onions served in a hollowed sourdough loaf, perfect for parties and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off the top of the round loaf of sourdough bread.
- Pull out the inside of the bread with a fork, creating a hollow cavity for the dip.
- Mix the cream cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chipped beef, sour cream, and diced green onions until well combined.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed-out loaf.
- Replace the top of the loaf, wrap it in foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 1.5 hours.
- While baking, tear small pieces of bread from the removed bread interior and place them on a cookie sheet.
- Broil the bread pieces just until lightly toasted and hardened.
- Remove the loaf from the oven, remove the foil, and serve the dip by dipping bread pieces into the cheese mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother dip, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked diced ham or turkey instead of chipped beef for a similar flavor. You can also add diced bell peppers for extra crunch. This dip is a great addition to any party spread, especially alongside recipes from Beef Tips For The Working Mom.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dip warm, accompanied by the toasted bread pieces for dipping. It pairs well with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a crunchy contrast. For a festive touch, garnish with extra diced green onions on top. This dip is perfect for game day or gatherings, and complements recipes like Stuffed Peppers(Microwave) beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Dip contains roughly 536 calories, with 14g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Calico Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the dip in the sourdough bread just before baking to maintain the bread's freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of sourdough bread?
If you prefer, you can use a round loaf of pumpernickel or rye bread for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, serve the dip in a baking dish with crackers or breadsticks on the side.
Can I freeze Calico Dip?
It's not recommended to freeze the dip after baking, as the texture of the sour cream and cheese may change. However, you can freeze the unbaked cheese mixture for up to 2 months and then bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).