Creamy Bacon BLT Dip with Ranch Packet

You know those moments when you need a party dip that everyone will love? This BLT dip with ranch packet is my go-to solution. I started making it years ago when I needed something quick for game day gatherings, and now it’s the first thing my friends request when we get together.

What I love most about this dip is how it takes those classic BLT sandwich flavors we all grew up with and turns them into something you can scoop up with a chip. Plus, that ranch packet adds just the right touch – it’s like having two favorite flavors in one bowl. It’s so simple to throw together, I often make it while I’m cooking dinner the night before a party.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a potluck, this dip always fits right in. And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll understand why it’s become such a regular at my gatherings.

What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?

For a dip where bacon is one of the star players, thick-cut bacon is definitely the way to go. Regular bacon can work in a pinch, but thick-cut gives you bigger, meatier pieces that hold up better when mixed into the dip and won’t get lost among the other ingredients. Center cut bacon is a good choice since it has a nice meat-to-fat ratio, though any good quality thick-cut bacon will do the job. When cooking your bacon for this dip, aim for a nice crispy texture – but don’t take it so far that it becomes too hard or crumbly. You can cook it in the oven on a sheet pan for the most even results, which also makes cleanup easier.

Options for Substitutions

This easy dip recipe is pretty forgiving and allows for several substitutions to match your preferences or what you have in your kitchen:

• Cream cheese: For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or light cream cheese. Greek yogurt cream cheese is another good option, though it might make the dip slightly tangier.
• Sour cream: Feel free to use mayonnaise instead of sour cream, or try Greek yogurt for a healthier swap. Just note that Greek yogurt will add more tanginess to the final taste.
• Ranch seasoning: This is pretty key to the recipe’s flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can mix 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley and dill, plus 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.
• Cheddar cheese: Any good melting cheese works here – try Colby, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Iceberg lettuce: Romaine or green leaf lettuce can be used instead. Just make sure to chop it very finely and add it right before serving to keep it crisp.
• Roma tomato: Any firm, fresh tomato will work – just remove the seeds and excess juice. In winter, you can use well-drained diced canned tomatoes.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon works too, or try bacon bits in a rush. For a vegetarian version, you could use smoky-flavored tempeh bacon or simply leave it out.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making BLT dip is dealing with excess moisture, which can make your dip watery and unappetizing – be sure to remove seeds from your tomatoes and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the mix.

Another common mistake is adding the lettuce too early or chopping it too finely, which can make it wilt and become soggy – instead, add it just before serving and keep the shreds slightly larger for that perfect crunch.

When it comes to the bacon, avoid using pre-cooked or bacon bits as they lack the rich flavor and texture of freshly cooked bacon, and make sure to drain it well on paper towels to prevent grease from pooling in your dip.

For the creamiest texture, let your cream cheese come to room temperature naturally (about 1 hour) rather than microwaving it, and mix the cream cheese and sour cream together first before adding other ingredients.

What to Serve With BLT Dip?

This creamy, savory BLT dip needs some sturdy dippers that can handle its rich texture! Toasted baguette slices or crunchy bagel chips are perfect for scooping up all those tasty bacon bits and creamy goodness. For a fresh twist, try serving it with an assortment of raw veggies like celery sticks, cucumber rounds, and bell pepper strips – they add a nice crunch and keep things light. If you’re bringing this to a party, I’d suggest putting out both chips and veggies so your guests can choose their favorite way to dig in. For casual get-togethers, regular potato chips or pretzel crisps work great too!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This BLT dip is best enjoyed within 24 hours of making it, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the lettuce might get a bit wilted and the tomatoes could make things a bit watery after the first day. If you’re planning ahead, I’d suggest storing the dip base separately from the lettuce and tomatoes.

Make Ahead: Want to prep this dip in advance? Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and cheese, then store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just fold in the fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and crispy bacon. This way, everything stays fresh and crispy!

Leftovers: If you have leftovers, give the dip a good stir before serving again. The bacon might lose some crunch over time, but you can always sprinkle fresh bacon bits on top to bring back that crispiness. Just keep in mind that this dip isn’t suitable for freezing due to the dairy and fresh vegetables.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1400-1600
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 120-130 g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 g

Ingredients

• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream (or mayonnaise)
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 diced roma tomato
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely shredded iceberg lettuce
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base

Start by combining cream cheese, sour cream, Ranch seasoning, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.

Mix until the ingredients are well blended and smooth.

For an added touch of flavor, incorporate 2-3 strips of cooked and crumbled bacon into the mixture while reserving a few strips for the topping.

Step 2: Assemble the Dip Base

Spread the prepared creamy mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch serving bowl or a pie pan, leaving a small perimeter around the edge.

Fill this outer edge with a layer of fresh lettuce to add a crisp element to your dip.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Begin layering the toppings by adding diced tomatoes over the creamy base.

Follow this by sprinkling shredded cheese evenly over the tomatoes.

To finish, top it all off with the remaining crumbled bacon, creating a visually pleasing and tasty finish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the layers are complete, your dip is ready to serve.

Consider providing a variety of dippables such as tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or crackers for your guests to enjoy with this flavorful dip.

Enjoy!