Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon in my party-hosting arsenal: BLT Dip. Seriously, if you’re looking for something that’s ridiculously easy to throw together, tastes like pure Comfort Food, and vanishes faster than a plate of cookies at Christmas, this is it. Think of it as a deconstructed BLT sandwich, but creamier, scoopable, and way more fun. I swear, this BLT Dip is always the first thing to disappear at any gathering, and I’ve even caught people sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl! It’s just that good.
What is a BLT Dip?
Alright, let’s break it down. BLT Dip is essentially all the best parts of a BLT sandwich – bacon, lettuce, tomato – swimming in a creamy, cheesy, tangy base. Think of it as a cold dip, kind of like a Spinach Artichoke Dip, but with that irresistible salty, smoky, and fresh flavor combination that everyone loves. The beauty of it is its simplicity. No cooking required (aside from the bacon, of course!), just a little chopping, mixing, and chilling. It’s perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, or even just a casual weekend snack. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor! The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy mixture is just heavenly. I use a combination of Cream Cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream for that perfect balance of richness and tang. What I love most about this BLT Dip, though, is how easy it is to make. Seriously, you can whip this up in under 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests. Plus, the ingredients are so readily available and relatively inexpensive. You probably have most of them in your fridge already! And let’s not forget its versatility. You can serve it with crackers, baguette slices, tortilla chips, or even veggies. Honestly, I’ve even eaten it with a spoon straight from the bowl – no judgment, please! Compared to, say, a seven-layer dip, this is lighter, fresher, and somehow feels less…guilty. I find myself making this way more often because of that. My family, especially my youngest, asks for this all the time. She will forego the BLT itself for the dip any day!
How do I make a BLT Dip?
Quick Overview
Making this BLT Dip is seriously a breeze. You start by cooking your bacon until crispy (this is key!). Then, you chop up your tomatoes and lettuce. In a bowl, you’ll combine Cream Cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a little bit of garlic powder for that extra zing. Mix in the bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce, and that’s it! Just chill for a bit to let the flavors meld, and you’re ready to serve. The best part? It’s practically foolproof, so even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened – Use full-fat for the best flavor and texture. Trust me, it makes a difference!
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise – I prefer using real mayonnaise, but you can use light mayo if you’re watching your calories.
* 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds a nice tang and creaminess. Greek yogurt works in a pinch, but it won’t be quite as rich.
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Just a touch to enhance the flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
For the BLT Goodness:
* 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Nobody wants soggy bacon in their dip! I always cook extra…just in case I need to “sample” some.
* 2 cups chopped tomatoes – Roma tomatoes are my go-to because they’re firm and have a good flavor. Make sure to drain off any excess juice so the dip doesn’t get watery.
* 2 cups shredded lettuce – Iceberg lettuce is classic for a BLT, but you can also use romaine or butter lettuce for a different texture and flavor.
How do I follow
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon until it’s crispy. Remove from heat. If you’re in a hurry, you can bake it, fry it or microwave it. Once it’s cooked, drain off the excess grease and crumble it into small pieces. I bake mine because it’s less messy!
Step 2: Chop the Tomatoes and Lettuce
What are some ways to chop tomatoes into small dice and shred lettuce. How do you drain off any excess juice from the tomatoes to prevent the dip from becoming watery?
Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Cream Cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Mix until smooth and creamy. If your cream cheese isn’t softened enough, you’ll end up with lumps, so make sure it’s nice and smooth. What is the best way to start soft before you start
Step 4: Add the Bacon, Tomatoes, and Lettuce
Add the crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce to the Cream Cheese mixture. Cover and serve. Gently fold everything together until it’s well combined. If you overmix lettuce, it will get wilted.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to come out. What is the best dip to make after chilling?
Step 6: Serve
What are some ways to serve BLT Dip with your favorite dippers? What are some good ways to make tortilla chips work? I like to garnish it with some extra crumbled bacon and chopped tomatoes for a pretty festive meal.
What is the best way to serve it?
What is the beauty of this BLT Dip? I’ve served it with everything from fancy baguette slices at a brunch to humble tortilla chips. During a casual game night. What are some of my go-to pairings?
For a Party:Serve with an assortment of crackers, such as Ritz, Wheat Thins, and Triscuits. Also, offer some baguette slices for a sophisticated touch.For a Casual Snack:Tortilla chips are always a crowd pleaser. What are some healthy alternatives to carrot sticks, celery sticks and cucumber slices?For Brunch:Serve with toasted baguette slices or mini croissants. What are some good side dishes to serve at brunch?For a Game Day Gathering:Serve with tortilla chips, potato chips and pretzels. What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken or a burger? My family always requests this with ruffled potato chips – something about the ridges just holds the flavor. And I always make a big batch for our annual summer barbeque. It’s become a tradition at this point.
How do I perfect my BLT Dip?
What are some tips for a BLT Dip? I’ve learned these the hard way, so you don’t have to!
Bacon is Key:Don’t skimp on bacon! Use a good quality bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Why do people like thick-cut bacon in their dip?
How do you drain tomatoes?If you have too much juice from a tomato, it will make your dip watery. After chopping tomatoes, place them in a colander to drain off any excess liquid. Is it safe to pat dry a paper towel?
What are some good recipes for softened Cream Cheese?Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before you start mixing. If you have lumps in your dip, what are you going to do? I usually leave mine out at room temperature for about an hour, or you can microwave it for a few minutes. What is the best way to melt a glass in seconds?
Don’t Overmix:If you’re adding bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce, be careful not to overmix the dip. If you over mix lettuce, it will wilt and the dip will become watery. Just fold everything together until it’s well combined.
Chill Out:If you chill the dip for 30 minutes, the flavors will meld and the sauce will thicken. What is the best dip to make after chilling?
Customize It:Feel free to add your own personal touch to the dip. What are some ideas for adding shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or a little bit of smoked salmon to Grilled Cheese? What is a dash of hot sauce?
Lettuce Love: I’ve tested this with all kinds of lettuce, and I have to say, iceberg is the winner for the classic BLT flavor. But if you’re looking for more nutrition, romaine is a great option. Just avoid anything too delicate that will wilt easily.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of BLT Dip (because you know it’s going to disappear fast), but you don’t know what to make it for. What if you have leftovers? How do I store a vegetable properly?
Room Temperature: RoomI wouldn’t recommend leaving BLT Dip at room temperature for more than 2 hours. What is the best way to prepare a dairy dip?
Refrigerator Storage: How Store the BLT Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce may wilt a bit over time, but the dip will still be safe to eat.
How do I useI don’t recommend freezing BLT Dip. How do cream cheese and mayonnaise separate when frozen?
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze, this does not apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to BLT Dip recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. I truly believe everyone should have this in their appetizer arsenal. If you’re looking for something similar, you might also enjoy my buffalo chicken dip or my spinach artichoke dip – both are equally addictive! I really, really hope you give this recipe a try. And when you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your own variations. Happy dipping!
BLT Dip
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups sour cream Use full fat for best results
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce shredded
- 0.5 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and crumbled bacon.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and chill until ready to serve.
