Lake Day Dip

Lake Day Dip

This cool, creamy, and savory dip is incredibly easy to make and requires no baking. It’s the ultimate make-ahead appetizer for a hot day.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (minimum)
Serves: A crowd (8-10 people)

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup real bacon bits (or 6-8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon)

• ½ cup chopped green onions

• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup diced jalapeños (for a spicy kick)

• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (for mild, authentic flavor)

Instructions

1. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the entire packet of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until fully incorporated.

3. Fold in the Goodies: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions (and any optional add-ins like jalapeños or green chiles). Gently fold everything together with a spatula until evenly distributed.

4. Chill: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chilled through. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cheese, bacon, and green onions. Serve with sturdy potato chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• The Softening Trick: For perfectly soft cream cheese, leave it on the counter for about an hour. In a pinch, you can microwave it on a plate for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

• Homemade Ranch Seasoning: To control salt and avoid preservatives, you can make your own blend. Whisk together: 2 Tbsp dried parsley, 1 Tbsp dried dill, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp dried chives, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt.

• Make it a Spread: For a thicker, spreadable consistency (great for bagels or crackers), reduce the sour cream to ½ or ⅔ cup.

• Spice Level: For a dip with a little heat that everyone can enjoy, use the canned diced green chiles. For a true spicy kick, use fresh or pickled jalapeños.

• Make-Ahead Champion: This dip tastes even better the next day! You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

• Bacon is Best: While real bacon bits work, the flavor of freshly cooked and crumbled bacon is far superior and adds a wonderful smoky note.

Enjoy this easy, no-fuss dip on your next lake day, game day, or any day you need a guaranteed hit