Description
This Layered Ranch Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer featuring a smooth ranch base topped with cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, olives, green onions, and crispy bacon. Perfectly chilled and layered, this easy-to-make dip is ideal for parties, game day, or casual gatherings served with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Ranch Base
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
Layers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (roma or grape)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional, but amazing!)
For Serving
- Tortilla chips or fresh veggies
Instructions
- Make the Creamy Ranch Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix. Use a hand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the prepared ranch base evenly across the bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie plate, creating a smooth foundation for the dip.
- Add Cheese Layer: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the ranch base layer to add a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Add Lettuce Layer: Spread the shredded lettuce on top of the cheddar cheese layer, bringing freshness and crunch to the dip.
- Add Tomatoes: Sprinkle the chopped tomatoes evenly over the lettuce layer, adding juiciness and color.
- Add Toppings: Top the dip with sliced black olives if using, followed by chopped green onions and crispy bacon crumbles for added flavor and texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, let the cream cheese soften completely to room temperature before mixing.
- Feel free to customize the toppings by adding jalapeños or substituting bacon with turkey bacon.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
- The dip can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture contrast with the creamy layers.
