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Easy Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Tailgate Dip Recipe

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This creamy, savory dip is loaded with bacon and ranch flavor, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that stays warm and delicious for hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 lb bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup milk, to adjust consistency if needed
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay bacon strips in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces. Set aside about 1/4 cup for garnish.
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 10-second bursts until just softened.
  3. Combine the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). If mixing by hand, use a sturdy spoon and work until no lumps remain.
  4. Fold in the cheese and bacon: Add 1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/4 cup for topping), about 3/4 of the crumbled bacon (save the rest for garnish), and chopped green onions (reserve a tablespoon or two for garnish). Stir until evenly distributed. If mixture seems too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until creamy and dippable.
  5. Transfer to the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter. Spoon the dip mixture into the slow cooker and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup cheddar cheese on top.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, or on HIGH for 1-1.5 hours, until edges are bubbly and cheese on top is melted. Check at the 2-hour mark on LOW.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle reserved crumbled bacon and chopped green onions on top. Serve straight from the slow cooker with your favorite dippers. Keep warm on the ‘WARM’ setting.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Cook bacon in the oven for easy cleanup. Reserve some cheese and bacon for topping. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Do not overcook on HIGH to prevent browning. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat in slow cooker or microwave with a splash of milk. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker dip, bacon ranch dip, tailgate dip, game day dip, cream cheese dip, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-slow-cooker-bacon-ranch-tailgate-dip-recipe/