Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

When it comes to appetizers, and specifically dip, this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip is the way to go. It is easy to make with sour cream, mayo, and ranch seasoning, plus all the fun fixings like cheese, bacon, and more! It tastes great. Everyone loves it. Perfect for game day, or a gathering of friends.

Serve with Instant Pot Chicken Wings, Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs and Best Ever Layered Bean Dip for a great tailgating spread.

Creamy, loaded with flavor, easy to make, perfect for dipping veggies, chips, crackers, and more, this is the ULTIMATE DIP recipe.

There are a lot of dips to chose from when you are making appetizers for game day, but this one is ALWAYS on the menu. Why? Because…

Bacon: Who doesn’t love bacon??
Cheese: Again…what is not to love?
Easy to make. This is a dump and stir recipe.
Can be prepped ahead.
So many dipping options!

What You Need to Make Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

The recipe for bacon cheddar ranch dip is super simple, but people make it all kinds of ways, this is my favorite way for the consistency and flavor.

1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups mayo
1 package Ranch seasoning mix
1 bunch (about 10) green onions chopped
2 cups grated cheddar cheese, or use a mix of cheese types
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, you can also use bacon bits

How to Make The Appetizer: Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

Intro of how to make recipe and description of broad overview

Step One: Mix Mayo and Sour Cream with Ranch Packet

The first thing you need to do is mix up the mayo and sour cream with the ranch seasoning. I used Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet, and Hellman’s Mayo, Daisy Sour Cream. I have tried it with several other brands, and this is my favorite combo, but use what you have.

Mix until totally combined and no lumps of anything remain.

Step Two: Prep Other Ingredients

Cook your bacon, grate your cheese, and slice your green onion.

Time Saver: You can use bacon bits and pre-grated cheese to save time.

Cut your onions nice and evenly, and not too big, otherwise you might get a mouthful of green onion, and not get the other delicious flavors.

Step Three: Mix It All Together

Now just fold in the cheese, bacon, and green onions. You will want to stir it all up so it is combined well, then sprinkle a little extra on top to make it pretty! At this point you can serve right away, or refrigerate it for a little bit to allow it to set up and for the flavors to meld.

Serve With

This recipe is so perfect for parties and game day, and one of my favorite things is it goes well with a variety of dipper options:

Fresh Veggies: slice up cucumbers, or carrot sticks, or even mini peppers cut in half, they all make great dippers for this one.
Crackers: I love a buttery, sturdy cracker for this dip like a Ritz.
Tortilla chips: Any style, any brand.
Crusty slices of bread: Little pieces, or crostini type bread work well with this dip.

Tips and Tricks for Bacon Dip + Variation Ideas

Making this recipe is Eazy Peazy but here are a few fun ways to make sure it turns out perfect and to mix things up a little.

Cut Onions Evenly: Thinly slice green onions into even sized pieces. You want them well distributed throughout the dip, and not too much in any one bite.
Bake Your Bacon. When I am in a hurry I love using bacon bits in this, as it is so quick and easy, but if I have the time, cooking bacon fresh adds a little extra something to this dip recipe. Try baking your bacon in the oven for the best results. Lay your bacon on a baking tray, and bake at 400 degrees for 12-20 minutes, until the desired crispiness is achieved. For this recipe you will want it crispier. The results are simple, crispy and delicious with hardly any clean up.
Spice It Up. One thing I love is adding a little heat to this dip with a little hot sauce mixed in with the sour cream, mayo, and ranch. Just a dash or two can be awesome. Or try adding jalapeños. Or even some red pepper flakes. Base this one who will be eating this bacon dip, as sometimes it can be too hot for kids.
Don’t Overmix: The trick is to mix the sour cream, mayo, and ranch first. Then you can fold in the other parts so you still get texture.
Let It Chill. I like that this dip is so easy to make, and quick, and can be served immediately. However, I find that it is best when it has had a chance to chill for 20-30 minutes or more in the refrigerator before serving. This gives all that yummy bacon and cheese a chance to blend flavors so every bite is delicious.
Creamier: Want this to be thicker and creamier? Try adding a half a block (4 ounces) of cream cheese at the sour cream and mayo stage.

Make Ahead and Storage

This is the perfect party appetizer, so chances are you are making it for a get together, and probably have other things to make too like Ribs, Wings, Jalapeño Poppers, etc. But don’t worry, you can make this dip ahead of time to make day of easier.

To make ahead: Preparing this dip in advance is ridiculously easy. Just follow the instructions, mixing everything together except the bacon. Then stir store in an airtight or covered container in the fridge until ready to serve. Just before serving mix the bacon in. And add your garnish on top to make it pretty.

To store: This dip stays fresh to 3 days in the fridge, but the bacon will get soft, and not as yummy. Just be sure to store in a covered or air tight container, and stir it up to refresh before serving.

Other Great Dip Recipes:

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