Baked BLT Dip

Craving all the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich in a warm, creamy form?

Dive into the world of Baked BLT Dip — a rich, savory, and satisfying appetizer that captures everything you love about bacon, lettuce, and tomato in every bite.

With its creamy base, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients List

Creating a decadent dip like Baked BLT Dip requires layering flavors and textures that complement one another. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for each element of this indulgent appetizer.

Dip Base Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

For Serving

• Sliced baguette (or crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies of your choice)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing a hot, creamy dip like this one, having the right kitchen tools helps streamline the process and ensures the perfect consistency and flavor.

1. Mixing Bowls – Use medium to large mixing bowls to combine the creamy ingredients smoothly.
2. Electric Hand Mixer or Spoon – To fully incorporate the cream cheese into the other base ingredients.
3. 8×8 Baking Dish – The ideal size for evenly baking the dip.
4. Rimmed Baking Sheet & Aluminum Foil – For baking the bacon to crispy perfection without mess.
5. Spatula or Spoon – To spread the dip evenly into the dish before baking.
6. Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping the tomatoes, lettuce, and crumbling the bacon.

Dip Preparation

Preparing the creamy, cheesy base is the heart of this recipe. This section covers everything from crisping the bacon to combining the rich dairy elements for a perfectly smooth and flavorful dip.

Crisping the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any grease and place the bacon slices in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Tip: Baking bacon in the oven ensures even cooking and reduces splatter compared to stovetop methods.

Mixing the Dip Base

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Use a spoon or electric mixer to blend everything until smooth and creamy.

Consistency Check: The dip base should be soft and spreadable. If it’s too thick, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before transferring to your baking dish.

Assembling and Baking the Dip

Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the prepared dip base evenly into the dish using a spatula. Place it in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and slightly bubbly around the edges.

Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes.

Topping and Final Assembly

After the dip is baked to creamy perfection, it’s time to transform it into a true BLT experience by layering on the fresh, vibrant toppings.

Adding the Classic BLT Layers

Once your dip is out of the oven and slightly cooled:

1. Sprinkle the Crumbled Bacon:
   Evenly distribute the crispy crumbled bacon across the top of the warm dip. The heat helps release its savory aroma and meld with the cheesy base.
2. Top with Diced Tomatoes:
   Add 1 cup of fresh diced tomatoes over the bacon layer. For best results, drain excess juice from the tomatoes before adding to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
3. Finish with Shredded Romaine Lettuce:
   Sprinkle 1 cup of finely shredded romaine lettuce on top. This adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the creamy dip.

Optional Upgrade: For a twist, try adding diced avocado or a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dip immediately while it’s warm and melty. Pair it with sliced baguette, crackers, toasted crostini, or even crispy pita chips for dipping.

Party Tip: If you’re serving this dip at a gathering, you can keep it warm using a small chafing dish or mini slow cooker set to low.

Storage Instructions

While this dip is best served fresh and warm, leftovers can still be enjoyed with the right storage methods. Here’s how to keep your Baked BLT Dip tasting delicious after the party’s over.

How to Store Leftover Dip

If you have leftover dip (without the lettuce topping), allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Note: Lettuce doesn’t reheat well, so it’s best to remove it before refrigerating and add fresh lettuce when serving again.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 30–60 seconds.

Serving Tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of lettuce and tomatoes after reheating to revive that just-made flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Baked BLT Dip takes the iconic sandwich and reimagines it into a creamy, crave-worthy appetizer that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

With layers of melty cheese, crispy bacon, and garden-fresh toppings, it’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and party fare. Whether served at a game day gathering or as a standout side dish, this dip is sure to be devoured in no time.

With proper storage and a quick reheat, you can savor its deliciousness even after the crowd clears. So, grab your baguette slices and dig into the irresistible flavor of a classic BLT in dip form!