Cowboy Crack Dip Recipe (Hot or Cold)

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Not your average Philadelphia cream cheese dip recipe. Cowboy Crack Dip is cheesy, creamy, savory, and fresh — the perfect appetizer. This Crack Dip recipe is a classic appetizer ideal for your next party; like the big game, holiday get-togethers, a clear party favorite!

This easy cream cheese dip takes less than 20 minutes to prepare? And you can serve it hot or cold!

Looking for more cream cheese recipes? Check out this Crockpot Ranch Chicken, this buffalo chicken dip or this festive cranberry cream cheese dip.

This Cowboy Crack Dip is a must for any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or game day menu. Trust me when I say the crowd won’t be able to stop dipping the crackers, chips, or veggies into this thick and creamy recipe! Plus it is crazy versatile! Add these individual Charcuterie Cups to your appetizer mix!

Basic Ingredients

Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

Crack Dip

• Cream cheese and sour cream | Cream cheese and sour cream create the creamy and tangy base for this irresistible creamy dip recipe.
• Ranch dressing mix spices | Ranch dressing seasoning brings incredible flavor to the cowboy crack dip. Personally I like to make my own since it doesn’t have MSG in it, but you may buy the packets from your local grocery store or create your own homemade spice mix using the ingredients and directions below.
• Shallot | Diced shallot adds sweetness and subtle heat to the creamy and cheesy dip.
• Cheddar cheese | Shredded cheddar cheese is the perfect flavorful ingredient to add to this cowboy crack. Or your fave Mexican cheese blend.
• Bacon | I recommend frying up some fresh bacon slices for the most authentic and tasty flavor. But you can also use a pack of real bacon bits instead. For a healthier alternative, you can use turkey bacon.

Homemade Ranch Mix Spices

Avoid the packet and make your own! In a small bowl, mix all the tasty ingredients together. Place it in an airtight container, so you can use it whenever needed. You’ll need the following ingredients in the portions listed on the recipe card below.

• Buttermilk powder
• Garlic powder, Onion powder, Dried parsley, Dried dill weed, Dried chives, Dried tarragon, Sea salt, Ground black pepper

How to Make Ranch Crack Dip

First, you’ll need to gather a couple of pieces of equipment — a medium bowl and a hand mixer. You may use a stand mixer if you have one. Mix cream cheese and sour cream until you have a smooth texture.

Next, add the crisp bacon, ranch seasoning, diced shallot, and shredded cheddar cheese and mix with a wooden spoon until everything is well combined.

Then, place the crack dip in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together nicely.

And that’s it! If desired, all that’s left is to top with more grated cheese and bacon bits and maybe some chopped fresh chives or green onions.

Garnish

I suggest sprinkling some extra shredded cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles on top of the dip before serving. You may also add some chopped green onions or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce —YUM!

Variations & Substitutions

This dip recipe is perfect for personalizing and making your own. Here are some tasty ideas to get you started:

• Swap the cheddar cheese for other flavorful cheeses, like Swiss, Parmesan or Gruyere. For a smokier flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese.
• Pour in 1-2 cans of Mexi-corn or sweet corn to the dip for a sweet and crisp addition, drained.
• Turn up the heat with a can of diced jalapeños, a dash or two of cayenne pepper.
• Swap the ranch dip for taco seasoning, or add up to a teaspoon in addition to the ranch dip.
• Add some chopped green onions or chives for a bit of color and extra flavor.
• Try serving this dip with pretzels instead of chips or crackers.
• Add in chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives, for some vibrant color and flavor.
• If you want a creamier dip, add in an extra ¼ cup of sour cream or for thinner, a little milk or cream.
• Add shredded chicken breasts, crab meat, spicy sausage, or other meat — try my 3 ingredient Sausage Dip!
• Double the recipe to serve it to a larger crowd.

Storage Tips for Philadelphia Cream Cheese Dip

Refrigerator | It would be a miracle if you have leftovers! Store in an airtight container up to 2-3 days, best eaten within first 24 hours.

Freeze | If you happen to have leftover dip, freeze up to 3 months in an airtight container. And since it will change the texture slightly, I suggest allowing to thaw overnight in the fridge, then transferring to a baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze chip dip?

Yes, you sure can, but freezing anything with dairy will change the texture as it thaws, see my tips below for how to bake your Philadelphia cream cheese dip recipe!

Warm Crack Dip

If you want to make this dip into a hot dip, then simply make the dip, spread into a 2 quart casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Top with fresh green onions and a little shredded cheddar. Serve with pita chips or tortilla chips and watch people go crazy!

More delicious dip recipes

1. Best Crudite Dip Recipe for Veggie Platters
2. Easy Beer Cheese Dip
3. Mediterranean Layered Dip
4. Goat Cheese Log with Hot Honey, Fig and Pistachios
5. Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates
6. White Mexican Cheese Dip

I hope you loved this Philadelphia cream cheese dip recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!

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