BLT Dip Recipe
Skip the sandwiches and make this easy BLT Dip Recipe instead! Cream cheese ranch spread topped with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and cheddar cheese makes the ultimate party appetizer for game day, BBQs, and potlucks. Your friends will definitely be asking for this recipe!
Get the Scoop!
- Classic BLT flavors. Every bite is loaded with smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, creamy ranch, and cheddar cheese.
- Ready in just 30 minutes. This no-fuss appetizer comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- The first dish to disappear. Whether you’re serving it at a football party, family gathering, or summer barbecue, don’t expect leftovers!
This BLT Dip Recipe checks every box! It’s creamy, crunchy, smoky, easy, and always one of the most popular appetizers on the table. It has everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich, but turns it into an easy appetizer everyone can share.
I like to serve it alongside a sweet treat like Cool Whip Fruit Dip with plenty of dippers. It also goes great with Collard Green Dip since both of these spreads are loaded with bacon!
What’s In The Bowl?
Here’s everything you need to make this Easy BLT Dip recipe. Quantities can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese so the dip base blends together smoothly without lumps.
- Sour cream: Adds a little tang and creates a creamy, scoopable texture.
- Mayonnaise: Gives the spread a rich, classic BLT sandwich flavor.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Adds a savory herb flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon and vegetables.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes work well because they’re juicy, flavorful, and easy to chop. Pat them dry before adding to prevent excess moisture.
- Bacon: Freshly cooked, crispy bacon gives this spread its smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce: Adds the fresh crunch that makes it taste like a true BLT.
- Cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar adds extra flavor and makes the layers even better.
- Chives: Optional, but they add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
- Create the creamy base: In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Spread the dip: Spread the mixture evenly into a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
- Add the toppings: Layer the chopped tomatoes, crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped chives if desired, then serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Favorite Dippers
This BLT spread tastes amazing with just about anything sturdy enough for scooping.
- Pita chips
- Bagel chips
- Toasted baguette slices
- Pretzel crisps
- Ritz crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
Fun Variations
- Swap plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Substitute Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese for cheddar.
- Add diced avocado for a California-style BLT dip.
- Sprinkle with cracked black pepper before serving.
- Use sliced green onions instead of chives.
Debi’s Dip Tips
- Softened cream cheese mixes much more easily and creates a smooth base.
- Seed larger tomatoes before chopping to reduce excess moisture.
- Freshly cooked bacon tastes much better than packaged bacon bits.
- Assemble the toppings right before serving so the lettuce stays crunchy.
- A shallow serving dish makes every scoop diptastic!
Recipe FAQ
This is a great make-ahead appetizer. Mix the creamy base up to one day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just before serving, add the tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, cheese, and chives so everything stays fresh and crisp.
For the prettiest presentation, spread the mixture in a wide, shallow serving dish and surround it with hearty dippers. It gives everyone a scoop with all the delicious layers.
You can freeze the cream cheese base for up to 3 months in an airtight container, but you’ll need to add the fresh toppings later.
Storage Guide
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you’re making this recipe ahead of time, keep the creamy base separate from the toppings until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents the tomatoes from making the mixture watery.
Party Dip Rating
⭐ Difficulty: Super Easy
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🎉 Party Friendly: ★★★★★
📅 Make Ahead: Make base ahead, add toppings later
💰 Budget Friendly: ★★★★★
❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes for the base
BLT Dip Recipe
*See notes in post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- spatula
- shallow serving dish or pie plate
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese - softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix - about ⅓ of a packet
- 1 cup diced tomatoes - I used cherry
- 8 slices bacon - cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives - optional
- Pita chips, bagel chips, crackers, or toasted bread for serving
Instructions
- Create the creamy base: In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Spread the dip: Spread the mixture evenly into a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
- Add the toppings: Layer the chopped tomatoes, crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped chives if desired, then serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For best texture, store the base separately from toppings if making ahead, as the lettuce can wilt and tomatoes may release moisture.
- Softened cream cheese is key. Cold cream cheese will leave lumps. If not completely softened, you can use a hand mixer to help incorporate the cream cheese more.
- Drain or pat tomatoes dry to avoid a watery dip. If using tomatoes like Roma, seed them to help keep the topping from getting too watery.
- Use freshly cooked, crispy bacon for best flavor and texture. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness and crunch.
- A shallow dish works better than a deep bowl for even layering.
Nutrition
*Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
