Under 1 Hour BLT Dip with Cream Cheese

When it comes to party food, I always gravitate toward dips. They’re easy to make ahead and everyone loves gathering around them to chat and snack. This BLT dip with cream cheese has become my go-to for game days and summer get-togethers. It takes all the flavors we love from the classic sandwich and turns them into something that’s perfect for sharing.

I started making this dip a few years ago when I needed something quick for a last-minute BBQ. Now my friends request it every time we get together. The best part? You can prep most of it in advance, and it only takes a few minutes to put together. Plus, cleanup is a breeze – just one mixing bowl and you’re done.

Whether you serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, or toasted bread pieces, this dip disappears fast. I usually make a double batch because my family sneaks spoonfuls before the guests even arrive!

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

For this dip, regular full-fat block cream cheese is your best bet – it creates the creamiest texture and holds up well when mixed with other ingredients. While you might be tempted to use low-fat cream cheese to cut calories, it can make your dip a bit watery and affect the overall consistency. The most important thing is making sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature (about 30-45 minutes on the counter should do it), as this will help prevent any lumps in your dip. If you’re in a hurry, you can use whipped cream cheese instead, though you might need to use a bit less sour cream since whipped varieties already have more air incorporated.

Options for Substitutions

This creamy dip is pretty adaptable and you’ve got some wiggle room with the ingredients:

• Cream cheese: This is the base of the dip, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese – it has 1/3 less fat and works just as well. Greek yogurt cream cheese is another good alternative.
• Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream. It’ll give you extra protein and less fat while keeping that tangy taste.
• Mayo: You can use light mayo or Greek yogurt here too. For a different twist, try mashed avocado – it’ll make the dip extra creamy.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon works fine if you’re watching calories. For vegetarians, try bacon-flavored bits or crispy fried mushrooms seasoned with smoked paprika.
• Shredded cheese: Any medium to sharp cheese works here – try monterey jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even crumbled feta for a different flavor profile.
• Lettuce: Any crispy lettuce works – iceberg, romaine, or even cabbage for extra crunch. Just make sure to dry it well so your dip doesn’t get watery.

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 thoroughly drain and pat dry your diced tomatoes, and remove the seeds before adding them to the mix.

Temperature control is crucial: using cream cheese straight from the fridge will result in lumpy dip, so make sure it’s properly softened at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing.

When it comes to the bacon, avoid the temptation to use pre-cooked bits; instead, cook your own bacon until extra crispy (but not burnt), let it cool completely, and crumble it just before adding to prevent it from becoming soggy.

For the best texture and flavor, mix the cream cheese base thoroughly until smooth before folding in the bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce, and consider adding these toppings just before serving to maintain their fresh crunch and prevent wilting.

What to Serve With BLT Dip?

This creamy BLT dip is super versatile when it comes to dipping options! For a classic approach, butter-toasted baguette slices or crispy crostini make perfect vehicles for scooping up all that creamy goodness. If you’re hosting a casual get-together, set out a variety of dippers like rippled potato chips, buttery crackers, or fresh veggie sticks – cucumber rounds and celery are especially good with this dip. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside pretzel crisps or pita chips, which hold up really well to this thick, creamy dip and add an extra salty crunch that everyone loves.

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 texture and taste, I recommend storing the base dip (cream cheese mixture) separately from the toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and extra bacon – this keeps everything crisp and fresh!

Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese base up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before, then add your fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and crispy bacon. This makes party prep so much easier!

Assembly Tips: If you have leftovers, it’s best to remove any remaining lettuce and tomatoes before storing, as they can get soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just add fresh toppings and give it a quick stir. The dip might firm up in the fridge, so let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	60-1440 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 3500-4000
• Protein: 60-70 g
• Fat: 300-320 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-70 g

Ingredients

• 16 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 slices bacon, cooked (divided)
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 2 plum or roma tomatoes, diced and seeds removed
• 1 cup cheddar or colby jack, shredded cheese
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Crackers, toasted bread slices, chips, or your preferred dippers.

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Place the cream cheese in a large bowl.

Using an electric mixer or a spoon/spatula if your cream cheese is soft, stir until the cream cheese is smooth and lump-free.

Add sour cream, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

Continue stirring until the mixture is completely combined and smooth.

Step 2: Add Bacon and Mix

Crumble or finely chop 5 slices of bacon and incorporate into the cream cheese mixture.

Stir well to ensure the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Reserve the remaining bacon slices for later use.

Step 3: Assemble the Dip

Spread the combined cream cheese mixture evenly into an ungreased pie plate, forming a smooth and even layer.

This will serve as the base for your dip.

Step 4: Add Additional Toppings

Top the cream cheese layer with shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomato, shredded cheese, chopped green onion, and the remaining chopped bacon slices.

For additional flavor, sprinkle extra ground black pepper over the top if desired.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the pie plate with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

You can refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.

Once chilled, serve with crackers, bread, chips, or your preferred dippables and enjoy!