Ask Chef Dennis

  • Recipe Index
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Dip Recipe

Crack Dip (Cheesy Bacon Dip)

Published: Feb 5, 2024 by Chef Ryan Littley

266
SHARES
Facebook266PinterestFlipboard
Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect dip for your next get-together, my Crack Dip is just what you’re looking for. And after one bite of this delicious savory dip, you’ll understand how it got its name.

Baked crack dip in white casserole.


 

This creamy, cheesy dip, loaded with crispy bacon crumbles, got its name thanks to its addictive flavors. Served either hot or cold, crack dip (aka million dollar dip and loaded ranch dip) is sure to please, no matter the occasion, even if it’s just to spoil yourself!

Cold crack dip in glass bowl with crackers and tortilla chips.

Serve this savory, rich, indulgent cream cheese dip with tortilla chips, crackers, potato chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.

If you enjoyed my crack dip, make sure to check out my Buffalo Chicken Dip and Smoked Salmon Dip recipes. They make great party dips.

Table of Contents:
  • Ingredients to make Crack Dip
  • Do I have to use mayonnaise to make the dip?
  • How to make Cold Crack Dip
  • How to make Baked Crack Dip
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Crack Dip (Cheesy Bacon Dip)
  • Do I have to use mayonnaise to make the dip?

Ingredients to make Crack Dip

Ingredients to make recipe.

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my easy crack dip recipe. In Chef Speak, this is called the Mise en Place, which translates into Everything in its Place.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

For a spicier dip, you can add red pepper flakes, buffalo sauce, or a touch of cayenne pepper.

You can also adapt my easy dip recipe by adding corn to make a corn crack dip. That version seems to work better as a hot dip.

Do I have to use mayonnaise to make the dip?

No, you don’t. You can substitute the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also use low-fat sour cream and low-fat cream cheese to make this recipe.

You can also use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

How to make Cold Crack Dip

Collage showing how to make cold version of recipe.
  • Add the cream cheese, sour cream., mayonnaise, half of the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ½ of the chopped green onions to a large bowl.
  • Using an electric hand mixer, mix on medium speed until well blended.
  • Add the crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese to the mixture.
  • Stir to combine.
Cold crack dip in glass bowl with chopped green onions sprinkled on top

If serving cold, refrigerate the dip for at least one hour (overnight is best) before serving to let the ranch flavors fully bloom. This is one of my favorite dip recipes!

How to make Baked Crack Dip

  • To serve hot, follow the directions for the cold dip.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Collage showing how to make hot version of recipe.
  • Add the mixture to a baking dish.
  • Place the baking dish on the center rack of a preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven, then add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
  • Garnish with additional bacon crumbles and green onions (or chives) on top of the dip.
Baked crack dip in white casserole with crackers, tortilla chips and veggies.

Serve with fresh veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or your favorite dippers. This has been one of my favorite game day (and game night) recipes for as long as I can remember.

Made with simple ingredients, this delicious dip recipe is definitely a keeper and is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Store any leftover cold or hot crack dip refrigerated in an airtight container (or wrapped with plastic wrap) for 3-4 days. It can be frozen before baking for up to one month but is not recommended after baking.

Recipe FAQ’s


What is crack dip made of?

Crack dip is a creamy, cheesy dip made with full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch dressing, and seasonings.

Can crack dip be made ahead of time?

Yes, it can. It’s an excellent make-ahead appetizer. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve cold or bake for the hot version.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Slow cooker Buffalo chicken Dip in a white bowl.
    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • hot crab dip in casserole dish with pita chips on a white plate
    Maryland Hot Crab Dip {Very Best}
  • partial overhead view of baked shrimp scampi dip
    Easy Shrimp Scampi Dip
  • hand scooping out Cheddar lobster dip with a Mission Tortilla chip
    Creamy Cheesy Cheddar Lobster Dip

Baked crack dip in white casserole with crackers, tortilla chips and veggies.

Crack Dip (Cheesy Bacon Dip)

Chef Ryan Littley
This creamy, cheesy dip, loaded with crispy bacon crumbles, got its name, thanks to its addictive flavors. Served either hot or cold, crack dip (aka million dollar dip) is sure to please!
5 from 31 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Appetizer, dip
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 437 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese full fat
  • 1 cup sour cream full fat
  • ½ cup mayonnaise Hellman's, Dukes, or Best Foods
  • ½ pkg ranch dressing mix more or less to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon table salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 2 ea green onions chopped (or chives)

Instructions
 

  • Add the cream cheese, sour cream., mayonnaise, half of the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ½ of the chopped green onions to a large bowl, and using an electric hand mixer, mix on medium speed until well blended.
  • Add the crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir to combine.
  • If serving cold, refrigerate the dip for at least one hour before serving.
  • To serve hot, follow the directions for the cold dip. Then, add the mixture to a baking dish.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Place the baking dish on the center rack of a preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven, then add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
  • Garnish with additional bacon crumbles and green onions (or chives). Serve with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or your favorite dippers.

Notes

For a spicier dip, you can add red pepper flakes, buffalo sauce, or a touch of cayenne pepper.
You can also adapt my easy dip recipe by adding corn to make a corn crack dip. That version seems to work better as a hot dip.

Do I have to use mayonnaise to make the dip?

No, you don’t. You can substitute the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also use low-fat sour cream and low-fat cream cheese to make this recipe.
You can also use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 11gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 531mgPotassium: 137mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 923IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 259mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!
5 from 31 votes (31 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

More about me →

Fan Favorites

  • overhead view of barbecued half racks of baby back ribs on a white platter
    Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
  • sliced meatloaf with the rest of meatloaf on a white platter
    Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze
  • shredded cabbage mixed with coleslaw dressing in a glass bowl.
    Easy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
  • Banana bread sliced on a cutting board.
    Banana Bread Recipe
  • chicken parm with pasta on a white plate
    Chicken Parmesan Recipe
  • seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
    Baked Chicken Legs

Featured In

Collage showing where Ask Chef Dennis has been featured.

Footer

↑ back to top

INFO

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

SUBSCRIBE

Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-quality recipes!

CONTACT

  • About
  • Contact

© 2009-2025 · Ask Chef Dennis · 30 N. Gould Street, STE 7204, Sheridan, Wyoming, 82801

Proud Member of:
Mediavine Publisher Network

Let's Get Social

Pinterest Facebook Flipboard Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.