Name: BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil; 10 slices bacon; 200 g cream cheese (softened); 120 g sour cream; 120 g mayonnaise; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 240 g cheddar cheese (shredded and divided); 2 tomatoes (chopped and divided); 50 g romaine lettuce (shredded); Crackers (for serving)

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This BLT dip turns bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes into a cold appetizer with a creamy cheese base. Bacon and tomatoes are mixed through the dip as well as added on top, making it easy to scoop onto crackers or toasted bread.

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Creamy BLT dip topped with crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, shredded romaine, and cheddar, served with crackers.

Why You'll Love This BLT Dip

No oven needed: Only the bacon needs cooking, leaving the oven free for other dishes.
Seasoned throughout: Garlic and onion powder flavor the creamy base beneath the fresh toppings.
Two cheeses: Cream cheese gives the dip its smooth body, while cheddar adds a fuller cheese flavor.
Prep in stages: The creamy base can be mixed separately, with the bacon and vegetables added when assembling.

A friend brought BLT dip to a summer gathering years ago, and people kept returning for another scoop. Since then, I've made my own version for parties and family get-togethers. It fits into appetizer spreads alongside spinach artichoke dip and homemade mozzarella sticks. The dip format makes those familiar BLT ingredients easy to share around the table.

I like the contrast between the rich cheese base and the crisp romaine on top. Sour cream adds tang, while cheddar brings the savory cheese flavor also found in queso dip. Mixing the dairy ingredients first creates a smooth base before the bacon and tomatoes are folded through. That spreads the savory flavor through the dip, with romaine and reserved toppings adding texture after assembly.

Close-up of creamy BLT dip in a bowl, topped with shredded romaine, diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and cheddar, with crackers around the edge.

Key Ingredients in BLT Dip

The recipe card below has the exact measurements; these are the ingredients that give this dip its character.

Bacon and olive oil: I use bacon for its salty, savory flavor and crisp texture. The olive oil provides a little cooking fat for the skillet.
Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise: Cream cheese gives my dip its thick body, sour cream adds tang, and mayonnaise makes the base smoother and richer.
Cheddar and seasonings: I add cheddar for a fuller cheese flavor, garlic and onion powder for savory depth, and salt to enhance the other ingredients.
Tomatoes and romaine: Tomatoes bring juiciness and a little acidity, while romaine adds a crisp crunch. For me, they balance the rich cheese base.

How to Make BLT Dip

Here's a quick overview, with the complete ingredient quantities and instructions in the recipe card below.

1. Cook the bacon: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, let cool, and chop.

2. Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.

3. Add the mix-ins: Add salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, and stir until well combined.

4. Incorporate cheese, tomatoes, and bacon, assemble and chill: Fold in ¾ of the shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Mix gently until evenly combined, then spread the mixture in a serving dish and add the romaine, reserved cheddar, tomatoes, and bacon. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, then serve cold.

Cracker dipping into creamy BLT dip topped with crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, shredded romaine, and cheddar cheese.

What Makes This BLT Dip Taste Like a BLT Sandwich

The combination of crispy bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, and juicy tomatoes gives this dip the same flavors people expect from a classic BLT sandwich. The creamy base replaces the bread while bringing all the ingredients together into an easy appetizer that can be scooped with crackers. Every bite delivers the familiar balance of salty, fresh, creamy, and crunchy textures.

Tips for BLT Dip

Chop the bacon finely: Small pieces distribute more evenly through the base and are easier to scoop with the other ingredients.
Remove excess tomato moisture: Patting the chopped tomatoes dry helps keep their juices from thinning the creamy base.
Shred the cheddar yourself: Freshly shredded cheddar mixes more smoothly into the creamy base.
Use a shallow serving dish: Spreading the dip out makes it easier to scoop the base and toppings together.

How to Store BLT Dip

I recommend keeping leftover BLT dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce and bacon will soften after assembly. For advance preparation, keep the creamy base separate from the bacon, tomatoes, and romaine until you assemble the dip.

What to Serve with BLT Dip

I serve this dip with crackers or toasted bread; garlic sourdough toast also fits the sandwich-inspired flavors. For a fuller appetizer spread, a warm Buffalo chicken dip makes a useful companion to this cold dip.