Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip (Printable)

Creamy cheddar and crispy bacon baked with tangy ranch seasoning for a golden, bubbly appetizer.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - ½ cup sour cream

→ Meat

04 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
06 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish (1 quart capacity).
02 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
03 - Fold in shredded sharp cheddar, most of the crumbled bacon, and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface.
05 - Sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces evenly over the top.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on 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.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 10 minutes of actual work, then the oven does the heavy lifting while you socialize.
  • The combination of sharp cheddar and crispy bacon tastes indulgent without being fussy or pretentious.
  • People genuinely believe you spent more time on it than you did, which never gets old.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese—I once tried to rush this with cold cheese straight from the fridge, and it stayed lumpy no matter how hard I stirred.
  • The dip will thicken slightly as it cools, so when it comes out of the oven it should look almost too soft; trust the process.
  • If your ranch mix seems very salty, reduce it by a quarter teaspoon and taste before adding more—different brands vary in intensity.
03 -
  • Use an instant-read thermometer if you're uncertain: the dip should hit 160°F in the center to ensure it's fully heated and safe.
  • If you're taking this to a potluck, bring it in the baking dish wrapped in foil, then transfer it to a slow cooker on low to keep it warm and creamy throughout the gathering.
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