The Best Ever Ranch Crack Dip Recipe

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This ranch crack dip recipe is the best picnic or party recipe. It is absolutely addicting! Once you start eating it, you can't stop. It's the perfect blend of melty cheese and delicious ranch seasoning with just enough bacon to feel decadent. Serve as a meal with chips, on the side of a burger, or as an appetizer on your next game day.

hand holding chip filled with dip above dish of crack dip

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Ranch Crack Dip
What Should I Serve with Crack Dip for Dipping?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Crack Dip
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Dip Recipes
📖 Recipe

Ranch Crack Dip

You've probably heard about crack dip, but if you haven't, we are here to share just how delicious and easy this is to make. This recipe is super simple with ingredients you likely keep on hand already.

A bit of cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and some seasonings, and suddenly you have a hot and gooey dip that pairs wonderfully with chips or crackers.

If you like hot dips like this one, then you need to check out our baked buffalo chicken dip recipe as well as this easy-baked spinach artichoke dip recipe.

round white and blue bowl of dip with herbs on top on wood table by lemon slices

What Should I Serve with Crack Dip for Dipping?

This ranch crack dip recipe is delicious with just about anything. There are some things that people automatically think of when it comes to dippers in the crack dip.

Tortilla Chips: I like to use scoops with mine because then I can really get the dip on the chips. These are thick chips that stand up to this hearty dip.
Pretzels: Just about any style of pretzels will work with Ranch Crack Dip. I like cheese pretzels or pretzel rod halves. Of course, pretzel thins are another popular choice.
Crackers: Just about any type and flavor of crackers will work with this dip. I love vegetable-flavored crackers because oftentimes, it is flavored with ranch, and everything pairs together perfectly.
Pita Chips or Sliced Toasted Bread: I have an easy pita chips recipe, but you can also slice a baguette or sourdough bread loaf and lightly toast it to use for dipping.
Sliced Raw Vegetables: Carrots, celery, cucumber slices, snow peas, snap peas, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini sticks can all be used to dip into this recipe.

oval red and white baking dish filled with ranch crack dip on wooden cutting board

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese
1-ounce package Ranch dressing mix
6 strips bacon
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
16 ounces sour cream
3 green onions

white bowl of cheesy dip topped with tomato slices

Handy Kitchen Tools

close up image of baking dish of baked crack dip

How to Make Crack Dip

Begin by cooking the bacon until crisp, then set out to drain on paper towels. Once drained and cooled, crumble the bacon.

Now, preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Spray the baking dish you choose with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup. I used a 10" oval dish, but you can use anything larger than an 8" baking dish.

In a bowl, or directly in the bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and the sour cream until it is well incorporated.

blue spoon in baking dish with bacon and cheese

Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheese if you desire.

spatula spreading cheese mixture in casserole dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown on top.

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with your favorite chips or crackers.

hand dipping chip into a baking dish of hot ranch crack dip

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Homemade Ranch Seasoning?

You can absolutely make your own ranch seasoning. A lot of people like to make ranch seasoning and keep it on hand because it is actually really easy to make. You will need dry buttermilk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, dried chives, salt, sugar, dried tarragon, black pepper, and mustard powder You can play with measurements to create the flavor you prefer.

What Cheese Is Best in Crack Dip?

The best cheese for this recipe is cheddar cheese. It has a strong flavor that goes well with the ranch seasoning plus it melts beautifully and blends well with the sour cream and cream cheese in this dip recipe.

If you prefer using something different, other options that are good for this are gouda, pepper jack, provolone, muenster, Colby jack, or even swiss. The best option though is a nice flavorful cheese that will melt evenly in this recipe.

Can I Serve This Dip Cold?

This crack dip can be served both hot and cold. Many people actually prefer it cold. Once the dip is made, you can store it in the refrigerator and when you are ready to serve it, you can reheat it or serve it straight from the refrigerator. It is absolutely delicious either way.

dark red baking dish on cutting board filled with dip with black background

More Easy Dip Recipes

If you need more ideas for homemade dips to add to your menu, we have plenty to choose from. Below is a combination of hot and cold savory dips that are ideal for sharing. Make sure that you bookmark, print out the recipes, or pin them to a favorite appetizer or dip Pinterest board.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8

The Best Ever Ranch Crack Dip Recipe

This easy ranch crack dip recipe comes together in minutes and is packed with cheesy goodness. This easy recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese
1-ounce package Ranch dressing mix
6 strips bacon
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
16 ounces sour cream
3 green onions

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and spray the bottom of a 9" or larger baking dish with non-stick spray.
Mix together the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, cooked crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sour cream until combined.
Then spread evenly into the baking dish and top with additional cheese and green onions if desired.
Cover with aluminum foil or a lid.
Bake the dip for 25 to 30 minutes until it is heated through and the cheese is all melted and turning brown.
Garnish with diced green onions before serving with chips or crackers as desired.