Cheesy Bacon Ranch Delight (Printable)

A creamy blend of sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch baked till golden and bubbly.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - ½ cup sour cream

→ Meat

04 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
06 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

07 - 2 tbsp sliced green onions
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish with approximately 1 quart capacity.
02 - In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth and evenly combined.
03 - Fold in shredded cheddar, most of the crumbled bacon reserving some for topping, and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.
05 - Sprinkle the reserved bacon evenly over the dip surface.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
07 - Remove from oven; garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with chips, crackers, or vegetable dippers.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It tastes like someone spent an hour in the kitchen, but it actually takes less time than watching a movie.
  • The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy ranch somehow works magic together without being fussy.
  • You can make it ahead and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive, which feels like cheating in the best way.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isn't softened, the dip will have gritty bits—take the five minutes to let it sit on the counter before you start.
  • Don't skip crisping the bacon really well; soggy bacon gets lost in the dip and you lose half the appeal.
  • The dip will thicken as it cools, so it's supposed to look a little looser when you pull it out of the oven.
03 -
  • Cook your bacon in the oven on a sheet pan while you prep the other ingredients—it's less mess than stovetop and frees up your attention.
  • Reserve the bacon grease and brush a tiny bit on top before baking for extra richness if you're feeling bold.
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