Crack Dip Cheddar Ranch

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

With only three ingredients and hardly any prep, this creamy dip comes together fast. Let it sit in the fridge to develop bold flavors before serving. Ideal for any party!

A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:06:24 GMT
A creamy dip garnished with shredded cheese and fresh herbs, surrounded by crunchy tortilla chips. Pin it
A creamy dip garnished with shredded cheese and fresh herbs, surrounded by crunchy tortilla chips. | linacooks.com

Here's my go-to Cheesy Ranch Flavor Bomb Dip. It's ridiculously creamy, packed with flavor, and only calls for four simple ingredients. It's your best friend for sports nights, festive gatherings, or random snack attacks. Fair warning - once you start munching chips, crackers or pretzels with this dip, you can't put it down.

What Makes This Dip Special

This isn't your average dip, folks. You can throw it together in just minutes and it works for everything from fancy get-togethers to lazy afternoon snacking. I'm a big fan of how it's naturally gluten free and so flexible - make it way ahead or right before guests arrive. Everyone always asks for the secret whenever I bring it along.

Basic Stuff You'll Need

  • Foundation: One cup sour cream creates that perfect creaminess.
  • Secret Weapon: One packet ranch dip mix (don't grab the dressing).
  • Cheesy Goodness: Cup of cheddar cheese, grated (sharp or mild works).
  • Flavor Boost: Bacon bits add that irresistible touch.
A white bowl filled with creamy dip, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, surrounded by crispy tortilla chips. Pin it
A white bowl filled with creamy dip, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, surrounded by crispy tortilla chips. | linacooks.com

Quick Preparation Steps

Combine Everything
Dump all ingredients into a bowl and mix until completely blended.
Wait a Bit
Stick it in the fridge for at least an hour but leaving it overnight works even better.
Dig In
Set it out with your favorite dippers and watch how fast it vanishes.

Tricks For Amazing Results

When possible, fix this dip a day early since the flavors really blend overnight. Grate your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded for a smoother mix. Feeling spicy? Drop some hot sauce on top. Big on onion? Toss in chopped shallots. And don't skimp on dipping options.

Storage Advice

Got leftovers? They'll stay good in your fridge for around 4 days in a sealed container. This makes it great for prepping ahead, just add your dipping items right when you're ready to serve. Though between us, this dip tends to get gobbled up before storage becomes necessary.

A bowl of creamy dip topped with shredded cheddar cheese is surrounded by tortilla chips. Pin it
A bowl of creamy dip topped with shredded cheddar cheese is surrounded by tortilla chips. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does it need chilling?

The rest time is key for the flavors to meld, creating a better-tasting dip. Making it the day before is even better.

→ Should I shred cheese myself?

Store-bought shredded cheese saves time and works fine, though fresh-shredded cheese gives a slightly different texture.

→ How do I add a kick to it?

You could throw in diced green onions or spice it up with a splash of hot sauce.

→ How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored in a sealed container, it stays good for up to four days. Seal it well to avoid any film forming on top.

→ What’s best to pair it with?

It pairs wonderfully with chips, crunchy crackers, fresh veggies, or even pretzels. Offering a mix keeps everyone dipping happily!

Crack Dip Cheddar Ranch

This addictive dip mixes sour cream, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. Simple to make but tastes best after some chill time.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 bowl)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded.
02 A packet of ranch mix, 1 ounce.
03 16 oz sour cream.
04 Chopped shallots.
05 Hot sauce for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Throw all the ingredients into a bowl and stir till it looks smooth.

Step 02

Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Overnight makes it taste better.

Step 03

Go for pretzels, veggies, crackers, or chips.

Notes

  1. Fresh-shredded cheese tastes better but takes longer than pre-shredded.
  2. Throw in shallots if you want more taste.
  3. Seal it up and it’ll last 4 days in the fridge.
  4. Let it chill so the flavors come together nicely.
  5. You can make it ahead for parties—it’s perfect for that.

Tools You'll Need

  • A bowl for mixing.
  • Something airtight to store it in.
  • Measuring tools.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese and sour cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 174
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 7 g