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Best Loaded Bacon Ranch Dip – Easy Game Day Recipe

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This loaded bacon ranch dip is creamy, packed with bacon, and loaded with cheese. It’s the perfect game day appetizer that comes together quickly with simple ingredients and disappears before halftime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (about 1 cup)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts for dip, dark green for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the bacon: Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until crispy, or cook in a skillet over medium heat. Drain on paper towels, cool, and crumble. Set aside about 2 tablespoons for garnish.
  3. Soften the cream cheese: Remove from fridge at least 30 minutes before starting, or microwave on low for 15-20 seconds if needed.
  4. Mix the dip base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides.
  5. Fold in the good stuff: Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), and sliced green onions (reserve dark green parts for garnish). Fold until evenly distributed.
  6. Spread into the baking dish: Transfer mixture to a greased 8×8 or 9-inch pie plate and spread into an even layer.
  7. Top with remaining cheese and bacon: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over top, followed by reserved bacon pieces.
  8. Bake: Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, until hot and bubbly around edges and cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. For deeper golden top, broil last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle reserved dark green onion slices over top. Serve warm with dippers.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and shred your own cheese. The dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold. Let rest 5 minutes after baking for easier dipping. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded bacon ranch dip, game day dip, bacon ranch dip, easy appetizer, party dip, football food, creamy dip

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/best-loaded-bacon-ranch-dip-easy-game-day-recipe/