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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. It has some similarities to keto crack chicken and chicken bacon ranch casserole, but without the chicken and veggies. For a more cheese-forward dip without as much herby flavor, try crock pot queso dip or hot crab dip instead!
This warm crack dip recipe gets its name because it’s so irresistible! 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?
Tools To Make Crack Dip
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Double Boiler – Although a specialty piece of cookware, this double boiler is really handy to have. It’s great for melting chocolate, coconut oil, or warming cream cheese for this crack dip.
- 1/2 Liter Stoneware Dish – This dish is the perfect size for serving dips or dressings in.
Warm Ranch Crack Dip Recipe With Bacon and Cream Cheese
Warm Ranch Crack Dip Recipe (Make Ahead)
Crack dip is a delicious, irresistible appetizer! This warm ranch crack dip recipe with bacon and cream cheese takes just 10 minutes prep!
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
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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 curdling 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.
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Transfer the dip into a 1/2 quart (1/2 liter) glass or
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Bake for about 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly at the edges underneath. Serve hot or warm, with veggies or crackers.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 cup
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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57 Comments
Cheryl
0Wonderful! I served a bowl baked and a bowl unbaked. Great!
LORNA
0I can’t wait to try this… just in time for the holidays.
NCJenn
0Made this for a tennis party last night… I used fresh jalapenos from our garden and a bit more bacon. I wasn’t sure what size pan, so I used a dish close to an 8×8 probably… Was really good and enjoyed by all that had it. Served it with wheat thins and multigrain crackers.
Pam
0Can u post ingredient measurements plzz. I missed them
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Pam, You can find the measurements in the recipe card right above where you left this comment.
Karen B.
0This was so easy to put together and truly delicious.
MD
0Made recipe as written and everyone at the dinner party raved and asked for the recipe. I’ve done similar cold during the summer months, but warm was perfect for a cooler month event. Will definitely make again.
Nicole
0Sooo tasty, omg. We didn’t have ranch on hand but used some blue cheese dressing instead, worked very well 🙂 Thankfully this dip is nothing like crack aside from being pleasurable! Looking forward to trying more of your recipes.
Dandy Eisenhofer
0As with all your recipes, this one is AMAZING!!! All the good stuff without guilt! This dip is soooo good! I made it and had fresh veggies to accompany…forgot it was supposed to be warm…I served it cold and got rave reviews!! Will have to try it warm with some homemade crackers or chips. Thanks bunches for giving us KETO-ites more KETO-friendly alternatives to our favorite recipes and snacks!! You are my HERO!!!
Vanessa
0This was absolutely delicious and very easy to make. I fried a low-carb tortilla and it was the fix for my craving for chips and dip. Also works well with cucumber slices. Definitely a keeper!
Barbara
0Oh my gosh! I made this for Christmas. It was ahhhh-maxing! I could live on this stuff!!!!!!!!
BJ
0Really love this recipe. Fixed it for my Pickleball group and it was a big hit!! Two ‘s up!!
Linda
0I have the ingredients to make this happen…minus the ranch dressing. I’m assuming you mean the bottled salad dressing. I do have the packet of dry ranch mix. But at this point I’m not sure if I should just use the packet or should I make into the salad dressing and pour that in. I don’t want to mess this up.
Maybe I’ll check other recipes, this one doesn’t really make it clear.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Linda, This recipe uses actual ranch dressing. The link in the recipe card will take you to my homemade version, but if you prefer to use ranch dressing prepared from a packet of ranch seasoning, that will work great too! I hope this helps!
Michelle M
0What kind of cheddar? Mild, sharp, extra sharp?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Michelle, I used sharp, but I know that isn’t everyone’s taste. Feel free to use your preferred type of cheddar.
Donna
0I made this dip and it was not only low carb, it was deliciously satisfying! I used sliced radishes instead of crackers and they added an extra kick!!!
Thank you for all the great recipes.
eric levine
0Taught my g-daughter this recipe to teach her how to read a recipe and cook it. Came out delicious.
Rudolf Roche
0This worked really well in a 2 quart crockpot if you double the recipe for 30 servings which is ideal for small party. Set it on High for about an hour to 1.5 hrs then switch to low for half hour to an hour then set to warm
Amber
0Mmm… good! Want more! Very easy to make.
Janice Whitaker
0I was looking for a good Keto appetizer to bring to a party and looked at this recipe. It looks great! I’m making it. However your website has way too many advertisements. It’ is very annoying. I understand why you allow some advertisements, but this is ridiculous. I hope you will consider taking some of them down.
Thank you!
Janice
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Janice, Thanks for your feedback. Ads keep the Wholesome Yum website running and allow me to develop recipes that readers like you can access absolutely free. However, you may be interested in Wholesome Yum Plus, which includes an ad-free version of the website, along with other perks.
Diane
0Made this dip for company and it was a hit ! I didn’t have any left over, I served it warm with scoops . Made it the day before and heated it the day of my party. Would definitely recommend it !
Jess
0How does this go made ahead? Do I just cool and then reheat at the time?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Jess, This recipe can easily be re-heated in the oven or a small crockpot.
Linda
0I’m making this for a potluck 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
0Hi Linda, Either way should work!
Jacque Small
0Excellent. Made as a tapas in my restaurant in Mexico. Everyone loved it.
Geegee
0Grated cheese will melt in the sauce quickly and evenly. Cubes of cheese, on the other hand, will take longer to melt, so your sauce can overcook before the cheese has melted. It’s that overcooking that can cause the sauce to curdle.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Geegee, Thanks for the great tip!
Debi
0I 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!
Wholesome Yum A
0Anything with bacon and ranch is fabulous. Loved this!
CherylK
0Oh. My. God. There are no words.
Jessica
0Made 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
0Do you think I could make this in the crockpot? Should I bake first and then transfer?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi 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
0How long should it be cooked in the Crock Pot?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Heather, It should be able to heat through on low for 2 hours. Be sure to give it a few good stirs to combine.
Juliana
0Is there a freezer friendly version? My mom loves this and I’d like to leave her some she can freeze so she can stock up, you know, pandemic style… I’ve been quarantining with her for 4 months and she’s had me make it like 10 times!
Thank you!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Juliana, I’m so glad your mom is enjoying the recipe! Unfortunately, cream cheese just doesn’t retain it’s texture well once it’s frozen. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
Angela Burns
0I 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
0For 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
0Thank you for the tip, Wight!
Brandi
0What could be subbed for the sour cream? Picky eater here.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Brandi, You could use mayonnaise.
Brandi
0Anything else? I really can’t stand either!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Typically creamy dips like this use one or the other. Do you usually like creamy dips?
Brandi
0Yes, 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
0You could try, I just haven’t done that before in this recipe. Let me know how it goes for you!
Karly
0Oh my this looks amazing! I’m sure this will be a big hit at my house!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Karly! I hope everyone liked the dip!
rmbraziel
0The 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
0I am happy you liked the dip! Have a great day!
Anda
0Awesome dip. I love the yummy taste.
Brenda
0Are 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
0Hi 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
0I 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.