Loaded Ranch BLT Dip Recipe – Best Cheddar Bacon Party Appetizer
This loaded ranch BLT dip combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, creamy ranch, and fresh lettuce and tomatoes for a party-ready appetizer that tastes just like a BLT sandwich—without the bread. Quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (extra-sharp recommended)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped (about 1/2 cup chopped)
- 1 cup iceberg or romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Reserved bacon bits (for topping)
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, crostini, pita chips, or veggie sticks (for serving)
Instructions
- Lay 8 slices of bacon on a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels and cool completely. Chop into small pieces.
- Finely chop 1 cup lettuce and dice 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes. Pat tomatoes dry with a paper towel to avoid soggy dip. Slice 2 green onions if using.
- In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons chopped bacon for topping. Fold the rest into the dip base, mixing until bacon is spread throughout.
- Right before serving, fold in chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
- Spoon dip into your serving dish. Sprinkle reserved bacon and extra cheddar on top. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, pita chips, or veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
Add lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to keep the dip fresh and avoid sogginess. For vegetarian, swap bacon for smoked tempeh or coconut bacon. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and sour cream. The dip base can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; add veggies fresh before serving. Pat tomatoes dry to prevent watery dip. Double the recipe for large gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup per serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: BLT dip, ranch dip, cheddar bacon appetizer, party dip, game day snack, easy appetizer, loaded dip, bacon ranch dip