BLT Dip brings all your favorite sandwich flavors together in one irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. I’ve been making this crowd-pleasing dip for over fifteen years, and it never fails to disappear from the table first.
There’s something magical about combining crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce with a rich, creamy base. The first time I served this BLT dip was at my daughter’s graduation party, and I watched as guests kept returning to the appetizer table just for “one more bite.” The beauty lies in how it captures every element we love about a classic BLT sandwich—the smoky bacon, the juicy tomatoes, the fresh crunch of lettuce—but transforms it into something you can share with a crowd. It’s become my go-to recipe whenever I need something that looks impressive but comes together in minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This BLT Dip
This BLT dip recipe has earned its place as my most requested appetizer because it delivers on both flavor and convenience. I’ve served it at everything from casual game day gatherings to elegant dinner parties, and it always gets rave reviews from guests of all ages.
No baking required – Simply mix, chill, and serve for an effortless appetizer
Classic BLT flavors in a shareable dip form that everyone can enjoy
Perfect for entertaining – feeds a crowd and can be made hours ahead
Always a crowd favorite – combines familiar comfort food flavors
Easy to customize – add extra bacon, switch up the cheese, or try different toppings
Great texture contrast – creamy base with satisfying crunchy elements
This creamy BLT dip brings the comfort of a beloved sandwich to your party table, creating memories one delicious bite at a time.
Ingredient Note List
Bacon: I always cook my bacon until it’s perfectly crispy because it provides the smoky, salty foundation that makes this BLT dip so irresistible.
Cream Cheese: Using full-fat cream cheese creates the rich, velvety base that holds all the flavors together beautifully.
Sour Cream: This adds a subtle tang that balances the richness and keeps the dip from being too heavy.
Mayonnaise: The mayo contributes to the signature creamy texture while adding a mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
Ranch Dressing Mix: I prefer using the dry packet because it includes both garlic and onion powder, giving the dip complex flavor without extra prep work.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts better into the dip and provides a bold, tangy flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.
Fresh Tomatoes: I always choose firm, ripe tomatoes and remove the seeds to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast that makes the dip look as good as it tastes.
Iceberg Lettuce: In my kitchen, I prefer iceberg or romaine because they maintain their crunch and don’t wilt when mixed with the creamy base.
How to Cook BLT Dip
Step 1. I usually start by preheating my oven to 400°F and cooking the bacon on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes until it’s perfectly crispy—this method gives more even results than pan-frying.
Step 2. While the bacon cooks, I place the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix in a medium bowl and whip everything together with my electric mixer for about 2 minutes until it’s completely smooth.
Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to prep the tomatoes properly by removing the seeds and patting them dry with paper towels—this prevents the BLT dip from becoming watery.
Step 4. Once the bacon is crispy and chopped, I stir half of it into the creamy base along with half the diced tomatoes, the shredded cheddar cheese, and most of the green onions, saving some for garnish.
Step 5. I’ve found that chilling the dip for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite more delicious than the last.
Step 6. Before serving, I always top the BLT dip with the remaining crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and reserved green onions for that perfect presentation and extra crunch.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover BLT dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The key is to add the lettuce topping just before serving to maintain that essential crunch.
For best results when making this ahead, I recommend preparing the creamy base up to one day in advance, but wait to add the tomatoes and fresh toppings until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the vegetables from releasing moisture into the dip.
Since this is a cold appetizer, there’s no need to reheat—simply remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to let it come to the perfect serving temperature. If the dip seems thick after chilling, just give it a gentle stir to restore the creamy texture.
BLT Dip
All the flavors of a classic BLT in a cool, creamy party dip—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce layered over a Ranch-kissed, cheddar-studded base. No-bake dip (cook bacon only) and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon on a sheet pan and bake 15–20 minutes until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Ranch mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Stir in 1/2 of the chopped bacon and 1/2 of the diced tomatoes. Add cheddar, 1/2 cup of the shredded lettuce, and most of the green onions (reserve some for garnish).
Spread into a shallow serving dish. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
Just before serving, top with remaining lettuce, reserved bacon, tomatoes, and green onions.
Serve with crostini, pita chips, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Pat tomatoes dry to prevent a watery dip. Iceberg or romaine stay crisp. Ranch seasoning contains garlic and onion. For convenience, cook bacon on a sheet pan or use pre-cooked bacon. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days. For best texture, add tomatoes and lettuce right before serving. Not recommended for freezing. Gluten-free if served with GF dippers—check labels.
What to Serve With BLT Dip
Crostini or Garlic Bread: The crispy texture and mild flavor provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up this creamy dip, and they remind me of the bread in a classic BLT sandwich.
Pita Chips: These sturdy chips hold up well to the thick consistency and add a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Fresh Vegetables: I love serving this with bell pepper strips, baby carrots, and celery sticks because they add fresh, crisp elements that balance the richness of the dip.
Tortilla Chips: The salty crunch of good-quality tortilla chips makes every bite more satisfying and appeals to guests who prefer familiar party snacks.
Crackers: Water crackers or buttery round crackers work wonderfully, providing a neutral base that lets the BLT flavors shine through.
Breadsticks: Soft or crispy breadsticks give guests another delicious way to enjoy this appetizer, especially when you want to make the spread feel more substantial.
FAQs
How long does BLT dip last in the refrigerator?
I recommend enjoying this dip within 3 days of making it, though the creamy base stays fresh and the flavors actually improve after the first day of chilling together.
Can I make BLT dip without bacon for vegetarians?
Absolutely! I often substitute crispy chickpeas or smoky tempeh bits for the bacon, and many of my vegetarian friends love this version just as much as the original.
Why does my BLT dip turn watery after sitting?
This usually happens when the tomatoes release their juices, which is why I always remove the seeds and pat the diced tomatoes completely dry with paper towels before adding them to the mix.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well in this recipe, though I recommend cooking it until extra crispy since it tends to be less crispy than regular bacon naturally.
