Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip (Printable Version)

Creamy blend of bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, and ranch seasoning for a rich, warm appetizer.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - ½ cup sour cream
03 - ½ cup mayonnaise
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Meats

06 - 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

→ Seasonings

07 - 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, gluten-free if required
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Fresh

09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
03 - Fold in ranch seasoning, black pepper, cheddar, mozzarella, and most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for topping.
04 - Spread the mixture evenly into a medium baking dish or ovenproof skillet, smoothing the surface.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from oven and garnish with reserved bacon and chopped chives or green onions.
07 - Serve warm accompanied by tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can throw it together right before guests arrive.
  • Everyone goes back for seconds because the combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and ranch is genuinely addictive.
  • You can prep it hours ahead and just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese or you'll end up mixing for ages and cursing under your breath—I learned this the hard way and ended up with a lumpy first batch.
  • The dip continues to bubble for a minute or two after you take it out of the oven, so wait a beat before serving or it'll be almost too hot to eat.
03 -
  • Room-temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese will frustrate you and create an uneven dip.
  • Toast your crackers or warm your chips before serving because the dip is rich enough that you want something with a little texture to cut through it.
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