Savory BLT Dip

You know what’s funny? I didn’t try a BLT sandwich until I was in college. My mom wasn’t big on bacon, so it just wasn’t something we had around the house much. But that first bite of a proper BLT? It changed everything.

Now I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy those classic BLT flavors. This dip takes everything you love about the sandwich – crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and cool lettuce – and turns it into something you can share at parties. And let me tell you, it disappears fast every time I bring it to a get-together.

What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?

Regular sliced bacon is perfect for this dip, but you’ve got options depending on your preference. Center-cut bacon tends to be meatier with less fat, while thick-cut bacon adds extra crunch and more pronounced bacon flavor – both work great in this recipe. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you might want to stick with regular-cut bacon since it crumbles more easily into bite-sized pieces that are perfect for dipping. When cooking your bacon, make sure to get it nice and crispy since it’ll soften slightly once it’s mixed with the creamy ingredients. And here’s a handy tip: cooking your bacon in the oven on a lined baking sheet makes it easier to get evenly crispy pieces and helps avoid those annoying grease splatters.

Options for Substitutions

This easy dip recipe can be adapted with several simple swaps if needed:

• Bacon: While real bacon gives the best flavor, you can use turkey bacon for a lighter option. Pre-cooked bacon bits work in a pinch, but use about 1 cup to replace the fresh-cooked bacon.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream – it adds extra protein and keeps the creamy texture. You could also use light sour cream to cut some calories.
• Mayonnaise: Light mayo works fine here, or try mashed avocado for a different twist (though this will change the color and texture slightly).
• Roma tomatoes: Any firm, ripe tomatoes will work – just remove the seeds and extra juice. In winter, you can use drained diced canned tomatoes, but pat them dry first.
• Romaine lettuce: Any crisp lettuce works for garnish – try iceberg or green leaf lettuce. You can even use fresh spinach leaves.
• Crackers: Serve with any crunchy dipper you like – raw veggies, pita chips, or toasted bread pieces all work great.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The success of your BLT dip heavily depends on how you handle the bacon and tomatoes – using floppy, undercooked bacon will make your dip chewy instead of crispy, so make sure to cook it until it’s really crispy since it will soften slightly once mixed with the wet ingredients.

A common mistake is not draining the diced tomatoes properly, which can make your dip watery and diluted – try placing them in a colander for a few minutes and gently pressing out excess moisture with a paper towel.

For the best texture, avoid chopping the bacon and tomatoes too finely as they can get lost in the dip; instead, aim for small, visible pieces that give each bite a perfect balance of flavors.

If you’re making this ahead of time, wait to add the lettuce until just before serving, as it will wilt and become soggy if mixed in too early, and remember to taste and adjust the salt level after adding the bacon since its saltiness can vary.

What to Serve With BLT Dip?

This creamy, bacon-loaded dip needs the perfect vehicle for scooping up all that goodness! Butter crackers or plain potato chips are my go-to choices, but toasted baguette slices or pita chips work great too. For a lighter option, try serving it with fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber – they add a nice crunch and make the dip feel a bit more like a complete snack. If you’re hosting a party, I like to put out a variety of dipping options so everyone can pick their favorite way to enjoy it.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This BLT dip stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For the best taste and texture, I recommend adding the lettuce garnish just before serving – this keeps everything crisp and fresh!

Make Ahead: Want to prep this dip in advance? Mix the mayo, sour cream, and salt up to a day ahead. Store the crispy bacon and diced tomatoes separately, then combine everything just before serving. This way, the bacon stays crunchy and the tomatoes don’t make the dip watery.

Serving Tip: If you’re taking this dip to a party, pack the components separately and assemble it there. The dip tastes best when served chilled, so keep it cool until ready to eat. Don’t forget to bring extra crackers – this dip tends to disappear quickly!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 2200-2400
• Protein: 30-40 g
• Fat: 210-230 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 g

Ingredients

• 12 ounces diced bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 diced roma tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
• Romaine lettuce for garnish
• Crackers to serve

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a heavy-bottomed skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is just browned and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the bacon is cooling, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Ensure the mixture is well combined to create a creamy base for your dish.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes and the cooled, cooked bacon into the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture.

Mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Top the mixture with shredded lettuce to add a fresh, crunchy element.

Serve the bacon-tomato mixture with your choice of crackers on the side for dipping or topping.

Enjoy this easy and delicious dish as a quick snack or appetizer!