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My younger daughter’s first birthday is just around the corner, and I’m excited! I made this warm ranch crack dip recipe with bacon and cream cheese for my other daughter’s party last month and it was a big hit. It’s definitely making an appearance again this time!
What Is Crack Dip?
I have no idea where crack dip with bacon originated. I’ve seen pictures floating around Pinterest for years, but don’t know who came up with it first.
So, what is crack dip? Only the most incredible dip ever! The basic combination is bacon, cheddar, and something creamy to combine them into a dip. In this case, we are using ranch dressing, sour cream, and cream cheese.
And, this warm crack dip recipe gets its name because it’s so addictive! I’ll be the first to admit that it requires a bit of portion control. But, it’s worth it.
The good news is, crack dip with bacon is naturally gluten-free and low carb. It’s not really as high in calories as I would have expected, either. These buffalo cauliflower wings and cold crab dip are another great low calorie option.
It just goes to show that some of the best tasting recipes can be all of the above. Really.
Bacon wrapped asparagus are another delicious bacon-y appetizer.
Of course, you can’t go wrong in the deliciousness department when bacon and cheese are involved…
Ingredients for Ranch Crack Dip with Bacon and Cream Cheese
The ingredients for creamy homemade ranch crack dip are super simple. All you need is:
- Cream cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon bits
- Green onions
- Cayenne pepper
Easy, peasy! And if you want to make substitutions, there are a few options…
The basic crack dip recipe uses plain cream cheese, but you can even use a flavored one. Sour cream & chives or fresh herb both sound good.
I used pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience. You can also make your own. Cook bacon using your favorite method until crispy, then crumble it before using in the dip.
The cayenne pepper is optional for homemade crack dip. I think it’s delicious with a little kick, but feel free to omit it, especially if you’re serving it with kids around. You can also adjust the heat to your liking.
Finally, the ranch dressing! I used my favorite homemade ranch dressing recipe. I pretty much always have some in my fridge, anyway!
But, if you prefer to use a store bought kind, you can. Get one that’s a little on the thicker side. Worst case, you can always adjust the consistency of the crack dip with a little more dressing if it’s too thick or more cream cheese if it’s too thin.
How To Make Warm Crack Dip
It doesn’t get any easier than the steps for how to make warm crack dip. It will take you all of five minutes to prep!
Heat the cream cheese, either in the microwave or a double boiler, so that it softens. (Be careful not to burn it!)
Next, add the ranch and sour cream. Stir until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients.
Transfer the mixture into a 1/2 quart ceramic appetizer dish. A glass one should also work fine.
Viola – easy ranch crack dip with bacon!
That’s all it takes for the prep. Now, you can enjoy this crack dip recipe warm or cold.
Feel free to try it cold if you really want to, but trust me when I say that warm crack dip is the best! Stick it in the oven for ten minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Otherwise, if you’re not serving it right away, you can refrigerate the crack dip overnight. It will even last a few days in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven once you are ready!
What To Serve With Crack Dip
There are plenty of healthy options when it comes to what to serve with crack dip. The typical crowd may opt for regular corn tortilla chips, but there are actually lots of ways to keep crack dip healthy and low carb.
My favorite way to enjoy warm crack dip is with homemade low carb tortilla chips, zucchini chips, or even simple paleo crackers. Both are delicious and I promise that even your family and friends that aren’t low carb will enjoy them.
Otherwise, if making your own chips or crackers is too much work, keep it simple with a big platter of veggies! Can’t go wrong with those.
I served this warm crack dip at my older daughter’s birthday with broccoli and carrots, and it was just gone. So, I’m doing that again in a couple weeks for my other daughter, too.
There’s a reason they call it crack dip, right?
Warm Ranch Crack Dip Recipe With Bacon and Cream Cheese:
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RECIPE CARD
Warm Ranch Crack Dip Recipe With Bacon and Cream Cheese
What is crack dip? The most delicious, addictive appetizer ever! This warm ranch crack dip recipe with bacon and cream cheese takes just 10 minutes prep and can be made ahead.
Recipe Video
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PrintIngredients
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- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 3/4 cup Ranch dressing (for a thick dressing; use 2/3 cup if using a thin one)
- 1/3 cup Sour cream
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/3 cup Bacon bits (cooked)
- 1/3 cup Green onions (chopped)
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional - or more to taste)
Instructions
RECIPE TIPS + VIDEO in the post above, nutrition info + recipe notes below!
Click on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
- Heat the cream cheese gently in the microwave on medium power, or on the stove in a double boiler, until it's warm and easy to stir. (Don't get it scalding hot, just warm. If it's too hot, wait for it to cool to be just warm before the next step, to avoid curling the ranch and sour cream.)
- Stir the ranch dressing into the cream cheese, until smooth, then stir in the sour cream. Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Transfer the dip into a 1/2 quart (1/2 liter) glass or stoneware baking dish like this one.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly at the edges underneath. Serve hot or warm, with veggies or low carb crackers.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 cup
Video Showing How To Make Crack Dip:
Don't miss the VIDEO above - it's the easiest way to learn how to make Crack Dip!
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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30 Comments
Jess
How does this go made ahead? Do I just cool and then reheat at the time?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Jess, This recipe can easily be re-heated in the oven or a small crockpot.
Linda
I’m making this for a pot luck tomorrow. Do you think I should bake it tonight and reheat it in the microwave tomorrow or just microwave it tomorrow with no baking tonight?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Linda, Either way should work!
Jacque Small
Excellent. Made as a tapas in my restaurant in Mexico. Everyone loved it.
Debi
I made this for the first time, kinda spur of the moment. I did not have ranch dressing so I added some Hidden Valley ranch powdered dressing/dip mix instead. I decided to cook and mince my own bacon, so I could make it very crispy. This is amazing! Super simple, easily adaptable to what’s in the house and my guests loved it. I served it with the three ingredient almond crackers from this site. I make the crackers regularly, they’re wonderful!
Amanda
Anything with bacon and ranch is fabulous. Loved this!
CherylK
Oh. My. God. There are no words.
Jessica
Made this for Xmas and it was such a hit! I didn’t want to share either 🙂 the cayenne pepper was definitely the touch needed for that little kick of heat. Even my mom, who isn’t food adventurous, loved it. Will be making for NYE.
Dawn
Do you think I could make this in the crockpot? Should I bake first and then transfer?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Dawn, Yes, you can. It’s just a small amount for a regular big Crock Pot, so you could double or triple the recipe if making in a Crock Pot, unless you have a mini one. You don’t need to bake it first. You could just put the ingredients in the Crock Pot instead of the baking dish.
Heather
How long should it be cooked in the Crock Pot?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Heather, It should be able to heat through on low for 2 hours. Be sure to give it a few good stirs to combine.
Angela Burns
I tried your bacon ranch crack dip and it was amazing. I’m not very adventurous with foods but my husband is. I had some dip left over and he put it on top of his baked cod and said it was great. The next day I dipped my jerk chicken in it and it was probably one of the best Keto meals I have had
Wight
For those of you looking for a cream cheese substitute or just a healthier substitute, try Greek yogurt strained through cheese cloth with about a quarter teaspoon of salt per cup of the finished cheese. It makes an amazing cream cheese substitute. The Greek yogurt itself is a good substitute for sour cream as well.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you for the tip, Wight!
Brandi
What could be subbed for the sour cream? Picky eater here.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Brandi, You could use mayonnaise.
Brandi
Anything else? I really can’t stand either!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Typically creamy dips like this use one or the other. Do you usually like creamy dips?
Brandi
Yes, I usually do, just not a fan of the taste of mayo or sour cream. Could I use heavy whipping cream and add it when it’s a similar consistency to mayo/sour cream? Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
You could try, I just haven’t done that before in this recipe. Let me know how it goes for you!
Karly
Oh my this looks amazing! I’m sure this will be a big hit at my house!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Karly! I hope everyone liked the dip!
rmbraziel
The Dip is fabulous but, Cruciferous Vegetables such as Broccoli, Cauiflower to name a few can cause gas and bloating from difficulty to digest sugars found in raw cruciferous vegetables. These surgars become easier to digest once they are cooked. So cooking them make them more enjoyable and easy on the tummy.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am happy you liked the dip! Have a great day!
Anda
Awesome dip. I love the yummy taste.
Brenda
Are you talking bottled Ranch Dressing, or the dry mix? It would seem that’s WAY too much for dry. If it’s bottled, which brand did you use to calculate your nutrition facts?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Brenda, I used the homemade ranch dressing that is linked on the recipe card. You can also use a store bought dressing. Either way, this crack dip recipe calls for a ranch dressing, not a dry seasoning mix.
Terry D
I used the Hidden Valley Fiesta ranch dip mix to keep it Gluten Free and increased to 1cup of sour cream to get back the liquid missing from the dressing. Served it cold with corn chips and corn tortilla chips. I along with My GF friend, enjoyed it.