By Krista Teigen
Published Oct 6, 2025
Crack dip is one of those recipes that never lasts long at a party. I mean, it’s in the name, it’s truly addicting. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with ranch flavor, bacon, and green onions. That’s all the good stuff in one bowl, ready to be scooped by a chip. Best of all, it’s a no-bake wonder that comes together in just 20 minutes, so I’m always inclined to whip this together and call it a day.
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I love this crack dip because it’s quick to stir together, easy to make ahead, and perfect for game day, holidays, or last-minute gatherings. It’s one of those no-fuss appetizers you can count on to be a crowd-pleaser every single time. I like using my homemade ranch seasoning for extra fresh flavor, but a store-bought packet works just fine if that’s what you have on hand. Sometimes I’ll serve it warm out of the oven for cozy football Sundays, or eat it chilled for warmer parties. It’s delicious either way.
Tips for Beginners
- Let the cream cheese soften . Let it soften at room temperature before mixing. It’ll blend much more easily with the sour cream and seasoning, giving you a smooth, creamy base without lumps.
- Don’t skip the green onions . Besides adding flavor, they brighten up the dip visually. If you don’t have them, chives or even finely diced red onion work well.
- Keep it cool . If you’re serving this at an outdoor party or tailgate, keep the dip bowl set over a larger bowl of ice. This keeps it fresh, safe to eat, and just as delicious hours later.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- ▢ 1½ cups sour cream or full fat plain Greek yogurt
- ▢ 1 packet ranch seasoning
- ▢ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ▢ 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ▢ 4 green onions chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the the cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning using a whisk or electric mixer. 8 oz. cream cheese, 1½ cups sour cream, 1 packet ranch seasoning
- Set aside 1-2 tablespoons each of cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions for topping the dip. Then, mix in the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 8 slices bacon, 4 green onions
- When ready to serve, sprinkle the leftover cheese, bacon, and green onions on top. Enjoy!
Becky’s Tips
- For a lighter option , swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon. You’ll still get that creamy, smoky flavor but with less fat.
- To soften the cream cheese , leave it on the counter for 30 minutes before making the dip.
- Want a warm version? Spread the dip into a baking dish, sprinkle on a little extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. It turns into a cozy, melty appetizer everyone will love.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Crack Dip Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Make the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1½ cups sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt, and 1 packet of ranch seasoning. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the mix-ins: Set aside 1–2 tbsp each of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions for topping. Stir the remaining 2 cups cheddar cheese, 8 slices of crumbled bacon, and 4 chopped green onions into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined.
Top and serve: When ready to serve, sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions over the top for garnish.
How to Store and Reheat
Make it ahead by preparing the dip up to 24 hours in advance and storing it covered in the fridge. Add the toppings right before serving for the best texture.
Leftover crack dip keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days if you store it in an airtight container. I don’t recommend freezing since the dairy can separate and lose its creamy texture. If you’ve made the baked version, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, but if it’s the chilled version, it’s best enjoyed straight from the fridge.
Crack Dip Variations
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or add mozzarella for extra creaminess
- Stir in corn, black beans, or chopped bell peppers for more texture
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor
- Mix in a little hot sauce or sriracha if you love bold heat
- Mix in crumbled sausage, shredded chicken, or leftover rotisserie chicken to make it heartier
- Try different seasonings—taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist, smoked paprika for depth, or everything bagel seasoning for a fun flavor boost
Serving Suggestions
I love setting this crack dip out with a big bowl of tortilla chips , but it’s just as good with crunchy pretzels, buttery crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks if you want something lighter. It’s one of those dips that feels right at home on the table, whether it’s game day, a summer BBQ, or a holiday get-together, and I love serving it alongside other favorites like ranch chicken wings or a hearty hoagie dip .
More easy dip recipes for parties
Cheeseburger Dip
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Fiesta Ranch Dip
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Crack Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1½ cups sour cream or full fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 4 green onions chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the the cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning using a whisk or electric mixer. 8 oz. cream cheese, 1½ cups sour cream, 1 packet ranch seasoning
- Set aside 1-2 tablespoons each of cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions for topping the dip. Then, mix in the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 8 slices bacon, 4 green onions
- When ready to serve, sprinkle the leftover cheese, bacon, and green onions on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter option , swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon. You’ll still get that creamy, smoky flavor but with less fat.
- To soften the cream cheese , leave it on the counter for 30 minutes before making the dip.
- Want a warm version? Spread the dip into a baking dish, sprinkle on a little extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. It turns into a cozy, melty appetizer everyone will love.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
