Cold BLT Dip with Cream Cheese is ready in 15 minutes, make-ahead friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. This cold BLT dip recipe layers a seasoned cream cheese-sour cream base with cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, crispy bacon, and green onion for a creamy-meets-crunchy party dip.
Want more bacon-inspired appetizers? Check out our Crispy Potato Skins or our Smoked Gouda Dip with Bacon.
Cold BLT Dip at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🧊 Optional Chill: 15 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 8-10
- 🔥 Cook Method: No-bake, chilled
- 🍽️ Cuisine: American; Appetizer and Dip Recipe
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Pita or potato chips, vegetable crudités, Roast Beef Sliders
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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With real bacon and fresh tomatoes, this BLT dip has that fresh crunch everyone loves. It's perfect for potlucks or tailgates. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick Assembly: 15 minutes from start to fridge. Perfect for game day or on weeknights with last-minute guests.
- Balanced and Fresh: Cool ranch base with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes keeps it from feeling heavy.
- Family-Friendly: Familiar BLT flavors, mild spices, and a creamy texture everyone can scoop.
- Great for Entertaining: Layers look beautiful in a glass pie plate and hold well on a buffet.
Cold BLT Dip Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this BLT Dip Recipe.
- Cream Cheese: Softened for an ultra-smooth base that spreads cleanly.
- Sour Cream: Lightens the texture and makes the dip perfectly scoopable.
- Ranch Seasoning: Built-in herbs, onion, and garlic for classic "cool ranch" flavor.
- Smoked Paprika and Garlic Powder: Gentle warmth and savory depth without heat.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp shreds add salty richness.
- Bacon: Cooked and chopped small so every scoop gets a little crunch.
- Lettuce: We like to use sandwich lettuce for appearance, or romaine, which stays crisp longer than spring mixes.
- Tomatoes: We prefer Campari tomatoes; they're sweet and ideal for neat dice.
- Green Onions: Mixed into the base (visible green flecks) with a little reserved for garnish.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ranch Seasoning: Use one to two teaspoons dried dill plus onion and garlic powder to taste.
- Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt.
- Cheddar: Try Colby Jack for a slightly different flavor.
- Diet: Use turkey bacon, reduced-fat cream cheese, and light sour cream. Keep the bacon as a topping to control portions.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the base for gentle heat.
- Presentation: Build in mini ramekins for personal-sized party dips or mason-jar layers for picnic packs.
How To Make Cold BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
STEP ONE: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, and most of the sliced green onions (reserve a little for topping).
Stir until smooth and creamy.
STEP TWO: Layer in the Dish
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a 9-inch glass pie plate.
Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the surface.
STEP THREE: Add the Toppings
Layer the sliced lettuce over the base, followed by diced tomatoes and chopped bacon.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and the reserved green onions.
STEP FOUR: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for about 15 minutes before serving to let the layers set and the flavors blend.
Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or sturdy potato chips.
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Soften the cream cheese fully for easier mixing.
✔️ DO Add bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes right before serving for maximum crunch.
✔️ DO Keep bacon pieces small so every scoop has balanced flavor.
❌ DO NOT Use pre-shredded cheese.
Storage
To make this cream cheese BLT dip recipe ahead of time, store it without the bacon, lettuce, and tomato layer to keep it fresh and prevent sogginess. Cover the dip tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the fresh toppings just before serving. Freezing isn't recommended since the vegetables will release moisture once thawed.
Recipe FAQs
BLT dip is made from a creamy base of cream cheese, sour cream, or mayonnaise, then topped with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's inspired by the classic BLT sandwich but served cold as an easy party dip.
Yes, you can make BLT dip ahead of time. Prepare the creamy layer and refrigerate it up to a day in advance, then add the bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. This makes it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Absolutely! To make BLT dip without mayo, use sour cream and softened cream cheese for a rich, tangy texture. You can also stir in a bit of Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still tastes creamy.
Serve BLT dip with sturdy dippers like potato chips, pita chips, baguette slices, or fresh veggies. It's also great spread on toast or used as a topping for baked potatoes when you have leftovers.
Did You Try This Recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Cold BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand mixer or spatula
- 9-inch glass pie plate
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 8 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes Campari, roma, or cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced lettuce sandwich lettuce or iceberg
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced reserve a small handful for topping
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, and all of the sliced green onions except the reserved handful.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a 9-inch glass pie plate. Sprinkle a light layer of cheddar cheese over the base.
- Layer shredded sandwich lettuce over the cheese, followed by diced tomatoes and chopped bacon. Finish with the remaining cheddar cheese and the reserved green onions.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Video
Notes
- Ranch Seasoning: Use one to two teaspoons dried dill plus onion and garlic powder to taste.
- Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt.
- Cheddar: Try Colby Jack for a slightly different flavor.
Jami Powell says
The perfect make ahead game day dip!