Baked Crack Dip

Warm, savory appetizer served with chips on the side.

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This Baked Crack Dip is packed with cream cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar—baked until melty and irresistible!

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I’ve made a lot of party snacks in my day, but nothing—and I mean nothing—has ever caused the level of chaos that this Baked Crack Dip did the first time I brought it to a family gathering.

Let me set the scene: It was game day. The kind where everyone shows up pretending they care about football but really just want to eat good food. I placed my hot, cheesy, bacon-loaded dip on the counter and turned away for, maybe, three minutes. When I looked back? Almost gone. My uncle had practically taken half the dish, my cousin was hoarding chips, and my dad? He just laughed and said, “Should’ve made more.”

I barely got a bite. Lesson learned.

Now? I always double the recipe. And honestly? I still feel like it’s not enough. If you need a dip that steals the show and disappears before you even sit down, this is it. Just be warned—you’ll be expected to bring it to every event forever.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Crack Dip Recipe?

  • 5-minute prep – No fuss, no complicated steps.
  • Cheesy, creamy, bacon-loaded magic – Every bite is melt-in-your-mouth good.
  • Perfect for game day, holidays, or random Tuesday nights – No occasion needed.
  • Feeds a crowd – Or, honestly, just a few people who really love cheese.
  • Pairs with everything – Chips, crackers, veggies… your fingers? No judgment.

Warm, savory appetizer served with chips on the side.

Ingredient Notes:

This dip is ridiculously simple, but every ingredient has a job to do.

  • Cream Cheese – The creamy, tangy base that makes everything ultra smooth.
  • Sour Cream – Adds richness and a little tang to balance out all the cheese.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Sharp, melty, and absolutely necessary.
  • Bacon – The star of the show. Adds salty, crispy goodness in every bite.
  • Ranch Dressing Mix – The game changer. The herby, garlicky, slightly tangy flavor takes this dip to another level.

Pro Tip: Want to make it even smokier? Swap out regular cheddar for smoked cheddar. Game. Changer.

Creamy, indulgent dip garnished with chopped herbs.

How To Make Baked Crack Dip?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). You need it hot to get that bubbly, golden cheese situation happening.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a big bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon, and ranch mix. Stir until everything is fully combined. (No one wants to get a random chunk of unblended cream cheese—trust me.)

Step 3: Spread It Out

Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Smooth it out evenly so every scoop gets the perfect ratio of cheese, bacon, and ranch goodness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

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Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until it’s hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. The smell alone will have people wandering into the kitchen like moths to a flame.

Step 5: Serve Immediately (Before It Disappears)

Let it cool for just a couple of minutes (if you can wait that long), then serve with chips, crackers, or whatever dippable thing you have on hand.

An overhead shot of the entire dip in a casserole dish, garnished with chopped green onions and served with chips around the dish.

Storage Options:

Look, I’m gonna be real with you—leftovers are rare. But just in case:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  • Freeze? – Ehhh… I wouldn’t. The texture changes after freezing, and cheese deserves better than that.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to put a spin on it? Try one of these variations:

  • Spicy Crack Dip – Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
  • Buffalo-Style – Stir in ¼ cup buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
  • Tex-Mex Version – Swap cheddar for pepper jack, and add a pinch of taco seasoning.
  • Extra Bacon? – Always. Just sprinkle even more bacon on top before baking.
  • Loaded Crack Dip – Top with green onions and an extra handful of shredded cheese for the ultimate upgrade.

Pro Tip: Want it extra creamy? Swap half the sour cream for Greek yogurt—adds a little extra tang and bonus protein.

A serving of baked dip on a small plate, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and presentation.

What to Serve with Baked Crack Dip?

This dip is the MVP of snack spreads, and it pairs perfectly with pretty much everything. Some of my go-to’s:

  • Tortilla Chips – Classic, sturdy, and perfect for scooping.
  • Crackers – Ritz, Wheat Thins, or anything buttery and crunchy.
  • Pretzels – The salty crunch against the cheesy goodness? Unreal.
  • Veggies – Carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a semi-healthy option.
  • Fries or Tater Tots – Just trust me on this one.

Pro Tip: Got leftovers? (Doubt it.) Use it as a burger topping or stuff it inside a baked potato for the most epic meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
You can, but freshly cooked bacon is so much better. If you’re short on time, go for high-quality bacon bits.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?
No worries! Make your own by mixing 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried dill, and ½ tsp salt.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yep! Throw everything in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. It won’t get as golden on top, but it’ll stay warm and creamy for hours.

This Baked Crack Dip is cheesy, bacon-loaded, ridiculously addictive, and so easy to make. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just a treat-yourself kind of day, it’s a guaranteed hit.

A close-up of a scoop of the dip being lifted by a tortilla chip, showcasing the gooey cheese and chunky ingredients.

Now tell me—what’s your go-to dipper for this? Chips? Pretzels? Or are you eating it straight from the spoon? No judgment here. Drop your favorite way to eat it in the comments!

 

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A serving of baked dip on a small plate, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and presentation.

Baked Crack Dip

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
The Baked Crack Dip is, like a symphony that combines different textures and flavors to create an irresistible experience. Picture the creamy cream cheese blending with the richness of sour cream complemented by crispy bacon bits and enhanced by the bold flavor of cheddar. Every bite takes you on an adventure where the savory notes of ranch dressing mix serenade your taste buds transforming this dish into more, than an appetizer – it becomes a remarkable gastronomic journey that you won't forget.
10 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 8-ounces package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1-ounce package Original Ranch dressing mix
  • 3/4 c cooked chopped bacon
  • 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 16-ounces container sour cream

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  2. In a mixing bowl mix together softened cream cheese ranch dressing mix, bacon, cheddar cheese and sour cream until thoroughly combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish that can hold 2 quarts.
  4. Bake, in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Until the dip becomes bubbly and hot.
  5. Savor this dip while it's still warm, alongside your favorite accompaniments.

Notes

For those embarking on a gluten-free journey, this Baked Crack Dip can seamlessly fit into your menu! The primary concern is the ranch dressing mix, as some brands might contain gluten or be processed in facilities with cross-contamination. To ensure the recipe remains gluten-free, opt for a certified gluten-free ranch mix or create your own blend using gluten-free herbs and spices. Remember to always check labels and, when in doubt, contact manufacturers.
Audrey
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I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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