Crowd-Pleasing Cheddar Ranch Party Dip
A creamy, cheesy, and tangy dip loaded with ranch flavor, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar—this Cheddar Ranch Party Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any get-together.
Ingredients
- 2 cups 16 oz sour cream
- 1 cup 8 oz mayonnaise (use full-fat for best texture)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded (freshly grated)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning
- 1 cup cooked bacon crumbled (about 8 slices)
- ½ cup green onions finely sliced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
For Garnish
- Extra shredded cheddar
- A sprinkle of bacon bits
- A few green onion slices
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, cool, and crumble, saving a bit for garnish. For easier cleanup, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in ranch seasoning until evenly blended. For a homemade version, combine dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chives.
- Fold in shredded cheddar, bacon, and green onions until well mixed. Reserve a small amount of each for topping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend and firm up, or serve immediately if you’re short on time.
- Before serving, stir gently and top with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions. Serve with chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies.