Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this rich, loaded spread and why each ingredient earns its place.

For the Spread

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened — Forms the rich, creamy base of the spread.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded — Adds classic, bold cheddar flavor that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.
• 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped — Provides fresh, slightly earthy flavor and texture, the essential component of any broccoli cheddar dish.
• ½ cup sour cream — Adds tanginess and lightens the texture of the spread.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise — Contributes additional creaminess and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled — Adds smoky, salty, crispy texture throughout the spread.
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced — Contributes a mild, fresh oniony bite and pop of color.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced — Infuses the spread with bold, aromatic garlic flavor.
• 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese — Adds a salty, nutty, umami-rich depth.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard — Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese base.
• ½ tsp garlic powder — Reinforces the garlic flavor alongside the fresh minced cloves.
• ½ tsp onion powder — Adds subtle savory depth to the spread.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika — Contributes a warm, smoky undertone that complements the bacon.
• ½ tsp kosher salt — Enhances all the other flavors in the spread.
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper — Adds a subtle, warm bite.

For Garnish

• Extra shredded cheddar — For those who want an extra dose of cheesy goodness.
• Crumbled bacon — Adds a final touch of smoky, salty crunch.
• Finely chopped broccoli — Reinforces the broccoli cheddar theme visually and in flavor.
• Sliced green onions — Adds fresh color and mild oniony flavor to the top of the spread.
• Fresh cracked black pepper — Adds a final touch of warm spice.

Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. Consider adding:

• ½ cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese (for extra heat and creaminess)
• 2 tbsp diced jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
• ¼ cup diced roasted red peppers (for sweetness and color)
• 1 tsp ranch seasoning (for a tangy, herby flavor boost)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick of heat)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (for a mild, fresh onion flavor)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for deeper umami flavor)