Easy Tailgate Dip Recipe – 5 Minute Recipe

You will not believe how delicious and easy this Tailgate Dip recipe is to make. With just 4 basic, easy to find ingredients you will have a delicious dip made and in the refrigerator in only 5 minutes!

It is the perfect recipe to make when you are planning to watch the big game. In fact, because this dip is best when chilled overnight, all you have to do is pull the dip out of the refrigerator and grab a bag of chips on game day.

The time that it takes to chill in the refrigerator allows the ingredients to meld the flavors together. This produces a cold and creamy dip that your family and friends will devour.

You can serve this dip as part of your game day spread with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita, and/or pretzel chips. However, if you know that you have guests coming who are on a low-carb diet, serve it with sliced vegetables as well.

However, be sure to have plenty of vegetable slices on hand because they won’t be able to stop eating it. Some of my favorite vegetable slices to include as part of the spread are: celery sticks, cucumber sticks, broccoli florets, carrots, and bell pepper slices.

Is This Tailgate Dip Also Called Crack Dip?

Over the past decade there have been many recipes that have been labeled as crack recipes. The original dip recipe was made with a combination of cream cheese, dried ranch dressing, sour cream, bacon bits, shredded cheese, and diced green onions.

It was then baked in the oven and served as a warm, gooey, cheesy dip that no one could resist. In fact, the term ‘crack’ came out of the comparison that it was so addicting that once you took a bite you wouldn’t be able to stop eating it.

However, ever since that original recipe went viral and ended up in almost every household in America, the trend to label other recipes as ‘crack’ recipes exploded.

You can find a variety of recipes titled crack chicken, crack potatoes, crack cookies and even Christmas crack Chex mix.

I think by now we all understand that the term crack is not meant to be derogatory. Instead, it is an indication that the recipe is absolutely delicious and irresistible.

Although this recipe is just as addicting as the others, I prefer to call it Easy Tailgate Dip instead of Crack Dip. Although you could also call it Football Dip, TV Dip, Easy Dip, Overnight Dip or even 5 Minute Dip.

Regardless of the name, this dip will surely be one that you will want to make over and over again.

Easy Tailgate Dip Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz sour cream
• 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
• ¾ cup chopped cooked bacon
• 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

1. Sour Cream – You can use any type of sour cream that you prefer. Full fat, reduce-fat, or even no fat sour cream will work just fine. However, the texture may be a little thinner if using a low-fat sour cream.

2. Ranch Dressing Mix – The packets of dry ranch dressing mix are most often in the dressing aisle at the grocery store. However, you can also find a bulk shaker of dry Ranch dressing mix in the spice aisle as well.

And if you are super motivated, and would rather make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix you can do that as well with just a few common spices that you most likely already have in your spice cabinet.

3. Chopped Cooked Bacon – Although I prefer to cook bacon on my griddle or make Air Fryer Bacon, to make my bacon crumbles, you could also use real bacon bits instead of cooking fresh bacon strips. In addition, feel free to use turkey or chicken bacon strips instead of classic pork bacon.

4. Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – There is no need to shred your own cheese for this recipe. Because this easy tailgate dip is a cold dip, you don’t have to worry about how well the cheese will melt. Although I do recommend using a finely shredded cheese so that it mixes in better with the other ingredients and it will be easier to scoop as well.

INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions for this easy tailgate recipe couldn’t be easier. Grab a medium size mixing bowl and add all the ingredients to the bowl.

Then use a silicone spatula to mix and blend the ingredients. Then transfer the dip to a serving bowl.

Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving. However, if you made this dip first thing in the morning and wanted to serve it for an evening game, go ahead. The taste will still be delicious.

Serve the dip cold with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguettes, pita chips, pretzel chips or sliced veggies.

Possible Ingredient Additions

Now that you have the base recipe to make tailgate dip, feel free to adjust the ingredients to your preference. Here are some of the most common ingredient substitutions and/or additions:

1. Greek Yogurt – Make this recipe a little healthier by substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You will still get that familiar tang but with less calories.

2. Add More Protein – If you want to make this a hearty dip, add your favorite protein. Some great additions would be cooked ground hamburger, sausage, or shredded chicken.

3. Add Veggies – Want to sneak something a little healthier in your dip without sacrificing the flavor? Add in a little diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeños and top with diced green onions.

4. Spice It Up – Speaking of jalapeños, you can make this dip a little on the spicy side. Add those diced jalapeños and stir in a little hot or Sriracha sauce.

Storing Instructions

Store this tailgate dip recipe in a covered container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Do not leave the dip out on the counter or table for greater than 2 hours when serving.

Other Great Dips

Now that you have made this delicious, 5 minute tailgate dip, you may need to fill your table with other dip recipes perfect for a party. Below I have listed some of my favorites, that I am sure that you will enjoy as well!

• Rotel Cheese Dip
• Million Dollar Dip
• Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
• Crock Pot Beer Cheese Dip
• Dill Pickle Dip
• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip
• Baked Bacon Cream Cheese Dip
• Homemade Vegetable Dip
• Loaded Jalapeno Popper Dip
• Honey Vanilla Fruit Dip

Enjoy! Mary

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