Description
Creamy cheddar ranch crack dip delivers irresistible flavor that captivates taste buds with its addictive blend of cheesy goodness. Loaded with sharp cheddar and zesty ranch seasoning, this crowd-pleasing appetizer will keep guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 (1 ounce / 28 grams) packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Optional Toppings:
- Extra bacon bits
- Extra cheddar cheese
- Extra green onions
For Serving:
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh vegetables (carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Craft the foundational creamy base by whisking softened cream cheese and sour cream in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Infuse the mixture with ranch seasoning, thoroughly blending until the powder completely dissolves and integrates with the dairy mixture.
- Incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring meticulously to distribute the cheese fragments evenly throughout the developing dip.
- Introduce crispy crumbled bacon pieces, gently folding them into the creamy concoction to provide a robust, salty dimension and delightful textural contrast.
- Enhance the flavor profile by gently stirring in finely chopped green onions and a touch of mayonnaise, which will amplify the dip’s richness and complexity.
- Transfer the completed mixture to a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective flavor.
- Prior to serving, give the dip a gentle stir to reintegrate any separated ingredients and ensure a smooth, appetizing presentation. Serve chilled with an array of dipping accompaniments like crackers, vegetable sticks, or chips.
Notes
- Swap out full-fat ingredients for lighter alternatives like low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to create a healthier version of this indulgent dip.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties such as pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
- Customize the dip for vegetarian friends by replacing bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or smoky coconut bacon bits for a similar crunchy texture.
- Make it gluten-free by ensuring the ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free and using gluten-free bacon or bacon alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg