Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip (One Pot)

The best, creamy, quick and easy ranch dip recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in one pot or bowl in 10 minutes. Loaded with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ranch seasoning. Also known as crack dip!

This is one of my favorite appetizer to make for holidays, dinner parties, game day, summer picnics and potlucks. It can be enjoyed all year round. Everyone devours it immediately. So, don't expect leftovers, just like this Creamy Dill Dip (One Bowl).

Also, if you love ranch as much as me, be sure to make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (One Pot) too. It's fantastic!

How to make ranch dip?

1. Mix cream cheese and sour cream- Until it's smooth and creamy without any lumps.
2. Add remaining ingredients- This includes cheddar cheese, ranch powder, bacon, green onions. Mix until combined.
3. Enjoy! Garnish with cooked crumbled or roughly sliced bacon and chopped green onions.

What sides to serve with homemade ranch dip recipe?

Serve it as a veggie dip appetizer with alongside a whole platter of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, fresh broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, snap peas. Make sure vegetables are fresh, and sturdy, which makes dipping easier.

You can also enjoy them crispy snacks such as savory biscuits, crackers, pretzels, chips.

Bread is my favorite side. Try Hawaiian bread, breadsticks, garlic bread, toasted crostini.

Meat could be another option. Try nuggets, mini meatballs, smokies or hot dogs, sausage bites, meat puffs.

Variations

Buffalo ranch chicken dip- Mix in some buffalo sauce and shredded chicken for more flavor and spice.

Greek yogurt ranch dip- Use full fat plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to make it slightly healthier.

Fiesta ranch dip- Add a Mexican twist with jalapenos and corn, and top with black olives and cilantro.

Add spinach- Saute fresh spinach, cool to room temperature and mix into the dip. You can also thaw and drain frozen chopped spinach and add to the dip, which would be quicker and more convenient.

Garnish options- Top with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, basil. You can also add sliced olives and shredded cheese.

Use it in pasta sauce- Mix in some of this dip to your favorite marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce to make it super creamy.

Use it in salad dressing- Mix in some of this dip to your favorite dressing to make it ultra creamy.

Use it as a spread- Spread a thin layer in sandwiches and wraps.

Make it spicy- Add red chili flakes or diced jalapenos for a kick.

Add more cheese- Such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or goat cheese for additional "cheesiness."

Tips and Techniques

Can I use bacon bits? Yes, it is a quick and convenient choice. However, cooking fresh bacon, and crumbling it yourself will provide the best flavor for this dip. It's just so fresh.

Soften cream cheese- That's because it blends together smoothly and evenly compared to chilled cream cheese.

Are green onions the same as scallions? Yes, they are the same. Different stores just chose to label them by different names. You can use either in this recipe.

What to do with leftovers? If you are lucky enough to have any, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can veggie dip be frozen? No, it’s is best served fresh. When it is frozen and then thawed, the fats will separate and the dip will become watery and the bacon will loose its crispiness.

How to make dip thinner? Mix in a little milk or heavy cream.

How to thicken dip? Mix in more cream cheese and reduce the quantity of any liquid that's used (e.g. heavy cream, milk, water e.t.c.).

Serve it hot or cold? It’s usually served cold.

Make ahead sour cream veggie dip instructions- Make it a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Serve a crowd- Double all the ingredients to make a bigger batch for a party.

Adjust ingredients- This is a very forgiving recipe and you can easily adjust the quantities of all the ingredients, based on your preference of what you like and dislike.

More One Pot Appetizers

• Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Bacon Wrapped Smokies (One Pan)
• Easy Pigs In A Blanket (One Pan)
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (One Pot)
• Grape Jelly Little Smokies (One Pot)

Recipe

Happy cooking everyone!