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If you want a fun snack that makes everyone happy, this BLT-inspired dip screams summer comfort. Imagine all the best parts of a BLT tucked into a chilled, creamy dip—gone in no time when friends are over. I can't even count how often this combo has saved me when folks pop by without warning.
This is my go-to for drop-in company. People always gather ‘round, and I never have leftovers—seriously, it vanishes.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled: Every bite comes with smoky crunch. Cook it till it’s really crisp, then set on towels to drain the grease.
- Iceberg lettuce: That classic BLT crunch. Get a dense pale-green head, then slice into thin pieces for topping everything.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Salty, rich, and melts right into the dip. Shred your own for the best flavor, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
- Roma tomato: Juicy and bright, they add just enough acid. Pick a nice ripe one to dice up small.
- Garlic powder: Makes the whole thing extra tasty. Fine-ground mixes in real easy.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Takes the flavor up a notch—just don’t use bottled ranch or it'll get runny. Go for herbal blends.
- Sour cream or mayonnaise: Makes the dip creamy and tangy. Use both or pick your fave for that creamy goodness.
- Cream cheese, softened: The super-rich, smooth base. Let it sit out till soft for easy mixing—full fat is where it’s at.
Simple Step-by-Step Directions
- Cool and Serve
- Pop the dish in the fridge for 10-20 minutes so everything comes together. It's best served cold with crunchy veg sticks or pita chips.
- Bacon on Top
- Scatter all the leftover bacon big and small over the cheese. Smoky flavor and texture in every scoop—no skimping!
- Cheese Layer
- Toss a good handful of shredded cheddar over the tomatoes. This gives the creamy base that classic “melted cheese” touch.
- Load Up with Lettuce and Tomato
- Line the edge or top with finely shredded lettuce, then drop tomato pieces all around. Lettuce stays nice and crisp at the edges and every scoop gets tomato pop.
- Spread and Smooth
- Grab a spoon or spatula and push the base mix into a pie plate or shallow dish. Keep it about 1 to 1.5 inches high—leave some room at the edges for toppings.
- Blend the Creamy Stuff
- Beat creamy cheese with mayo (or sour cream) in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in ranch seasoning and garlic powder so it’s all combined. Fold in some bacon for peekaboo bites throughout.
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Cheddar's my top pick since it melts just a bit into that creamy layer and brings the sharpness. My kids always sneak more bacon on their end—once, we even held a little contest to see who could scoop up the biggest bacon bite.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep leftovers sealed up in the fridge for two days max. To get ahead, prep the creamy part and toppings separately. Just quickly layer it all before eating or else the lettuce and bacon go soggy.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Greek yogurt (full fat) stands in for sour cream and boosts the tang. For a lighter touch, try turkey bacon. When tomatoes are in season, grab heirlooms and play with color. Swap cheddar with pepper jack if you like a spicy kick.
Fun Ways to Serve
Pair it with tortilla chips, bagel chips, or pita chips. I love crunchy bread cubes and veggie sticks like carrot or cucumber too. For something new, tuck scoops into lettuce leaves for easy single bites.
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Where It Comes From
BLT stands for bacon, lettuce, tomato—a classic American sandwich trio. All those flavors come together in this dip, made for hanging out at backyard cookouts or tailgate gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it ok to swap sour cream for Greek yogurt?
Definitely. Greek yogurt gives more tang and still stays creamy.
- → What kind of chips go best here?
Pita, bagel, potato, or tortilla chips all scoop up that creamy dip and toppings just right.
- → Can you prep this in advance?
Yep, make the creamy part a day ahead and keep the toppings ready, then put it all together when you’re serving.
- → How do I keep lettuce from wilting?
Slice lettuce right before serving and sprinkle on top at the end so it stays crisp.
- → What extras can I toss on top?
Chopped avocado, some green onion, or a bit of jalapeño add more kick and flavor.
- → Serve it cold or let it sit out?
Cold’s the way to go—it keeps everything fresh and crunchy.