November 23, 2024

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

Healthy Fact of the Day

While this dip is undeniably indulgent, you can make it more nutritious with some adjustments. Use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream to boost protein and reduce fat. Turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative to regular bacon. The sharp cheddar provides calcium and protein. To make it healthier, serve with plenty of fresh vegetables for dipping instead of chips or crackers. Green onions add flavor and nutrients with minimal calories. Consider this a special occasion dip and enjoy in moderation. The protein content helps make it more satisfying, so a little goes a long way.

Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
10 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
3 green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Black pepper to taste

For garnish:

Reserved bacon crumbles
Extra shredded cheddar
Sliced green onions
Paprika for dusting

For serving:

Fresh vegetables
Crackers
Potato chips
Toasted baguette slices
Pretzel crisps

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Mix in mayonnaise and sour cream until well combined.
Add ranch seasoning packet, garlic, onion powder, and hot sauce if using.
Fold in 3/4 of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
Stir in green onions and black pepper.
Transfer to a serving bowl.
Top with remaining bacon and cheese.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, garnish with green onions.
Dust with paprika for color.
Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Arrange dippers around the bowl.

Scoop into this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip and watch as strings of melted cheese stretch from bowl to chip! Each bite delivers the perfect balance of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch in a creamy dream of a dip. Whether you’re hosting game day or need a guaranteed party hit, this triple-threat dip promises to steal the show. So fry up that bacon, shred that cheese, and get ready to create the appetizer that’ll have everyone hovering around the snack table!