If you love the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich but want something a bit more shareable and snack-friendly, this BLT Dip Recipe is your new best friend. It captures the crunchy, smoky, tangy, and fresh elements of a BLT in a creamy, cheesy dip that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. With turkey bacon, creamy cheeses, fresh tomatoes, and crisp romaine, each bite delivers layers of satisfying texture and mouthwatering flavor that’s sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this BLT Dip Recipe is incredibly straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in bringing the perfect balance of creaminess, smokiness, and freshness. From the tender turkey bacon to the sharp cheddar cheese, every element contributes its own unique texture and taste.
- Turkey bacon (1 pound, cooked and diced): Provides a smoky, crisp base with less fat than traditional bacon, making it perfect for this dip.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a rich, velvety texture that binds the dip together effortlessly.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tanginess and smoothness, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Enhances creaminess and adds a mellow flavor that ties the dip ingredients perfectly.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm depth and aromatic quality to the dish.
- Tomato (1, diced): Offers a fresh, juicy contrast and a pop of color to brighten the dip.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Deliver a mild oniony crunch and vibrant green hue for visual appeal.
- Shredded mild cheddar cheese (1.5 cups): Melts beautifully into the dip, providing richness and gooey texture.
- Romaine lettuce (chopped): Adds crispness and freshness when sprinkled as a topping before serving.
How to Make BLT Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking the dip later. While it’s heating, cook your turkey bacon in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until it’s deliciously crisp. This step is crucial because the bacon’s smoky crunch will be one of the shining stars of your BLT Dip Recipe. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to absorb any excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat these ingredients together until you get a perfectly smooth and creamy mixture. This luscious base is what will hold all your flavors together, creating that signature dip texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Next, stir in your onion powder and garlic powder evenly into the creamy mixture. These simple seasonings amplify the savory depth without overwhelming the subtle fresh ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare Garnishes and Combine
Reserve a portion of the cooked bacon and diced tomatoes to use as garnishes later – they’ll add a beautiful final touch. To the remaining bacon and tomatoes, add the diced green onions and shredded cheddar cheese, then fold them gently into the creamy mixture. This combination brings the heart of the BLT sandwich right into your dip.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Transfer the blend into a greased baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and lightly golden on top. This step melds all the flavors together beautifully. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the reserved bacon, tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce generously over the top for a fresh crunch and eye-catching presentation.
How to Serve BLT Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the reserved bacon and tomatoes back as a garnish is a simple trick that transforms the dip from good to unforgettable. The crisp romaine lettuce on top adds a burst of freshness and texture contrast, balancing out the rich, creamy base perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with an assortment of dippers like crispy pita chips, toasted baguette slices, crunchy crackers, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots. These sides not only make scooping easy but also complement the flavors and textures for a well-rounded snacking experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your BLT Dip Recipe inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for an extra wow factor that guests will love. Another fun option is to layer the dip and garnishes in individual small cups or jars for personal servings—perfect for parties and potlucks. You could also sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover BLT Dip Recipe can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious if not better the next day.
Freezing
While freezing a creamy dip with fresh ingredients can be tricky, you can freeze the BLT Dip mixture before baking if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake fresh as directed for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in a small oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly again. Stir gently before serving to reincorporate any separated ingredients and refresh the dip’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Traditional bacon will add a deeper smoky flavor and extra crispiness, but turkey bacon keeps it lighter and less greasy. Both work wonderfully in the BLT Dip Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dip vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute, but keep in mind that the smoky flavor is a key part of the dish’s signature taste. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke might help replicate that flavor.
Can this dip be served cold?
Yes, it can! While the classic way is warm and bubbly, serving it chilled can make for a refreshing spread, especially in warmer months. Just mix and chill, then add fresh garnishes before serving.
How long does the BLT Dip stay good once baked?
Once baked, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days if refrigerated. The dip will still taste good but may lose some of its fresh texture over time.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This BLT Dip Recipe scales up nicely. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly if needed to ensure it heats evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this BLT Dip Recipe enough if you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best parts of a beloved sandwich with creamy, cheesy comfort food. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it at every gathering, craving that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, fresh, and savory. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
BLT Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and savory BLT Dip combines the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato into a delectable warm appetizer. Made with turkey bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, this dip is perfect for parties and gatherings and can be enjoyed with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey bacon, cooked and diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tomato, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1.5 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the dip.
- Cook Bacon: Cook turkey bacon in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until crisp. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess fat, then dice it.
- Mix Cream Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in onion powder and garlic powder into the creamy mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Other Ingredients: Reserve some cooked bacon and diced tomatoes for garnish. Mix the remaining bacon, diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped romaine lettuce into the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the combined dip mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until it is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with the reserved cooked bacon and diced tomatoes for added texture and presentation. Serve warm with your favorite chips, crackers, or vegetable dippers.
Notes
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature to ensure easy mixing.
- Feel free to add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve warm to best enjoy the melty, creamy texture.
- Romaine lettuce adds crunch and freshness but can be substituted with iceberg or shredded kale.
