Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip (Printable Version)

Creamy blend with cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning baked to golden, perfect for sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Meat

04 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

07 - 2 tbsp sliced green onions
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish with a 1 quart capacity.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for topping), and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface evenly.
05 - Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
07 - Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or vegetable dippers.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in 10 minutes with ingredients you probably already have stashed in your kitchen.
  • The bacon and sharp cheddar mean you're not dealing with some bland, forgettable dip—this one actually tastes like something.
  • Hot, bubbly, and gone within minutes of hitting the table; people return to this one repeatedly.
02 -
  • Never skip softening the cream cheese—cold cream cheese will lump and won't incorporate properly into the dip.
  • If you like a smokier flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika added to the mixture transforms the whole thing without overwhelming it.
  • The dip can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and baked right before serving, which takes the stress out of party timing.
03 -
  • Cook your bacon a few hours ahead and store it in an airtight container—it stays crisp and you eliminate the last-minute scramble.
  • Use room-temperature ingredients across the board; cold components take longer to blend smoothly and can result in a lumpy texture.
  • If the dip seems too thick after baking, thin it with a tablespoon of heavy cream whisked in on the stovetop—it'll be silky again.
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