Imagine a creamy, cheesy dip that will make your taste buds dance and your guests beg for the recipe! This Artichoke Bacon Ranch Dip is not just another appetizer - it's a flavor explosion that combines the tangy richness of artichokes, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the classic comfort of ranch dressing. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, a family get-together, or just craving a decadent snack, this dip is guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Drain the canned artichoke hearts thoroughly and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife. Pat the chopped artichokes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Mix thoroughly using a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces once cooled.
- Add the chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the surface is smooth for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for 5-7 minutes to allow it to set and prevent burning.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Tips
- Drain and dry your artichoke hearts thoroughly to prevent a watery dip. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality bacon and crumble it finely for even distribution.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex flavor profile.
- For extra crispiness, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top before baking.
- Serve immediately after cooling to enjoy the perfect balance of warm, creamy texture and crisp toppings.
- Experiment with different dipping sides like pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
