This warm crockpot cheese dip is a tasty combo of bacon, cheddar, and ranch. This queso appetizer is one of our favorite party take-alongs!

Why this recipe works

Using a 2.5-quart slow cooker you can easily make this crockpot cheese dip with bacon, cheddar, and ranch. It’s the perfect size for hot dips and side dishes, like our popularbuffalo chicken dip!

With football season right around the corner, now is the best time to make this cheese dip. It’s super simple yet full of flavor and is delicious with all sorts of dippers. Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the rest of the work for you!

Crockpot Cheese Dip in a bowl surrounded by crackers

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CHEESE – We recommend you shred your own cheese from a block. The pre-shredded bags are convenient, of course, but they don’t taste as fresh nor do they melt as well since they’re coated in anti-caking powders. You can use white cheddar if you prefer a white queso dip or feel free to substitute the cheeses to your liking. Our readers have mentioned using pepper jack cheese with success as well!

RANCH – There were several options available at the grocery store and they’re pretty similar. There was one titled “dressing and seasoning mix” and one labeled for dips. Opt for the one with less sodium as the bacon adds enough sodium in itself. I also recommend starting with half a pack and adding more after the dip is melted if it needs more seasoning.

How to Make Crockpot Cheese Dip

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Place the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon and 1/2 packet of ranch mix into a small 3 qt slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, or until hot and bubbly. Stir to combine. Taste and add additional ranch seasoning if necessary.
Serve with chips, crackers or veggies for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I double this recipe and make it in a larger slow cooker?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to feed a crowd, feel free to double the ingredients needed and make it in a larger slow cooker. The dip can be made in a normal size crock pot as is, but will be more shallow along the bottom if you’re serving it straight from the pot.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can easily make cheese dip on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and cook until bubbly and all cheese is thoroughly melted.

tortilla chip dipped in Crockpot Cheese Dip

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a variety of dipping options, some great options for cheese dip include tortilla chips, ruffled potato chips, sliced baguette, butter crackers, and broccoli florets. You really can’t go wrong with any dippers!

More Dip Recipes

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This post originally appeared here on Aug 25, 2018 and has since been updated with new photos.