Warm, cheesy, creamy, and loaded with bacon — this Crockpot Ranch Bacon Dip is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that always disappears first at any party.
It’s perfect for game day, movie night, or just hanging out with friends.
You toss everything into the slow cooker, let the flavors come together, and then dive in with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
The ranch and bacon combo is just unbeatable.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe came straight from my friend Sarah’s family cookbook. She made it once at a holiday party, and I swear, people were scraping the sides of the crockpot with chips trying to get every last bit. I begged her for the recipe, and now it’s one of my go-to party dips. Here’s why I love it so much:
- You only need one dish (the crockpot!)
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- Takes just 5 minutes of prep
- You can keep it warm and melty all night
- Minimal cleanup afterward
Servings: 10–12
Cook Time: 2 hours on LOW (or 1 hour on HIGH)
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 oz (1 packet) ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- Optional: extra shredded cheddar and bacon crumbles for topping
- Chips or crackers for serving
Pro Tips
- Use room temp cream cheese: It melts more evenly and blends better.
- Make your bacon crispy: Adds the perfect texture contrast to the creamy dip.
- Double it for a crowd: This dip goes FAST.
- Add a little spice: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
- Serve right from the crockpot: Keeps it warm for hours, no reheating needed.
Tools You’ll Need
- Black oval crockpot (slow cooker)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board (for green onion)
- Small bowls (for prep)
- Plate or bowl for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon
- Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
- Add veggies: Stir in diced jalapeños or bell peppers
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add extra cheese or smoked paprika for flavor
Make Ahead Tips
- You can cook the bacon and chop the green onion the night before.
- Assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Just pop it in the base and turn it on when you’re ready to cook!
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream to Crockpot
Place 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup sour cream into the black oval crockpot. Spread evenly in the bottom.
Step 2: Add Shredded Cheddar and Ranch Seasoning
Sprinkle in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 oz packet of ranch seasoning over the cream cheese and sour cream.
Step 3: Add Crumbled Bacon and Green Onion
Add 6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon and ¼ cup chopped green onion to the top of the mixture.
Step 4: Stir Everything Together
Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Cover and Cook
Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on LOW for 2 hours or HIGH for 1 hour, until hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Stir Again Before Serving
Remove the lid, give it one more good stir to make sure it’s creamy and smooth.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheddar and crispy bacon on top before serving. Serve hot with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Leftovers and Storage
Let dip cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or pop it back in the crockpot on LOW until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or sour cream if it’s too thick.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The fat from the cream cheese and sour cream acts as a smooth base that helps emulsify all the ingredients. The cheddar cheese melts evenly without clumping thanks to the gradual heat from the slow cooker. Ranch seasoning has powdered buttermilk, garlic, and herbs, which give this dip its signature flavor and tang without needing to add a ton of other spices.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold cream cheese: It won’t melt properly and stays lumpy
- Overcooking: The dip can separate or become greasy if left on HIGH too long
- Not stirring midway: You want even melting and blending of ingredients
- Skipping the bacon crisping: Soft bacon = greasy dip
What to Serve With
- Ridged potato chips
- Pita chips
- Pretzel thins
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Warm slices of baguette
FAQ
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella work well.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yep. Just mix it all in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
How spicy is it?
Not spicy at all — but feel free to add diced jalapeños if you like heat.
Do I need to spray the crockpot?
Nope! There’s enough fat in the cheese and sour cream to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ranch Bacon Dip is creamy, cheesy, and full of that irresistible ranch flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—easy, comforting, and always a hit. If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out or if you added your own twist. I’d love to hear how you made it yours!