Cheddar Ranch Crack Dip is an ultra-addictive, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with just a few simple ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavors from ranch seasoning and bacon, it’s perfect for game day, parties, potlucks, or anytime snacking. The “crack” in the name refers to how impossible it is to stop eating!
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time (optional): 1 hour for best flavor
- Total time: 10–70 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Plastic wrap (if chilling)
- Serving bowl
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (or ½ cup bacon bits)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Sour cream: Full-fat works best for creaminess.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp for the most flavor; pre-shredded is convenient but freshly grated melts better.
- Ranch mix: Hidden Valley is a popular choice.
- Bacon: Freshly cooked and crumbled bacon adds the best flavor, but store-bought bacon bits are a quick alternative.
- Add-ins (optional): Jalapeños, hot sauce, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and ranch seasoning. Stir until well blended.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Mix until fully combined.
- Optional: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions or extra cheese/bacon if desired.
- Serve with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 2 tbsp)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Note: Values vary based on brands and exact measurements used.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Add crunch: Stir in finely chopped bell peppers or celery.
- Make ahead: Best flavor develops after a few hours in the fridge.
- Serving ideas: Pair with tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.
- Make it warm: Bake in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes for a hot version.
