If you’re a fan of classic BLT sandwiches like me, my crazy-good BLT Dip Recipe with cream cheese is for you.
This easy, creamy, tangy appetizer transforms the beloved bacon, lettuce, and tomato trio into a delicious cold party dip, perfect for game days, neighborhood potlucks, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in. My husband and I even enjoyed it as a light dinner last night. Such is the life of a food blogger…
The secret ingredient is cottage cheese, which, along with the cream cheese and sour cream, adds a velvety texture and a protein boost that beautifully complements the smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes.
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Why I love this recipe (and you will, too!)
- This Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Dip captures the flavors of the traditional sandwich with toast in a delicious, shareable, scoopable cold party dip.
- It’s easy to make (only three steps) with simple pantry ingredients and always a crowd-pleaser.
- This layered BLT dip made with creamy cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, lettuce, and fresh tomatoes, like my Crock-Pot Jalapeno Popper Dip recipe, is the best party appetizer ever.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Below are my ingredient notes (including substitutions) for the main ingredients. The recipe card below provides a complete list of all ingredients and measurements.
- Cottage cheese: Provides a creamy base with added protein. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute ricotta cheese for a similar texture.
- Cream cheese and sour cream: Choose full-fat varieties for the richest flavor. For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat varieties, but this will change the taste and texture slightly.
- Bacon: Use high-quality bacon for the best taste. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits can be used as alternatives.
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their firm texture, but cherry tomatoes work well too. Ensure they’re well-drained to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg adds a nice crunch. Add just before serving to maintain freshness.
How to make this BLT Dip recipe
- Blend the cottage cheese and softened cream cheese in a food processor until smooth.
- Add the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined.
- Spread the creamy mixture onto a serving plate or shallow dish. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and crumbled bacon.
- If desired, sprinkle with sliced green onions for added flavor and color. Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.
Serving and menu suggestions
I like to serve this BLT Dip with toast points, toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or fresh veggies such as celery sticks and baby carrots.
This versatile appetizer pairs well with other cold party dips, such as my Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip and Chicken Ranch Dip, or hot cheese dips, such as Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip, Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip, or Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip.
Recipe variations
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the creamy base for a spicy kick.
- Fold in some shredded sharp cheddar cheese for extra richness.
- Incorporate fresh herbs such as dill or chives to change up the taste a bit.
- For a unique twist, add diced avocado, sliced olives, or chopped bell peppers in addition to the bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
How to store leftovers
Any leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best texture, keep the toppings separate and add them just before serving. This dip is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the creamy base up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. To keep the toppings fresh, chop them and add them just before serving.
Absolutely! Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and is a great substitute.
Yes, you can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or crispy fried onions.
Top tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly
- Drain the diced tomatoes on paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the dip.
- For the best texture and flavor, serve the dip immediately after adding the toppings.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences.
- If you don’t think you will eat all of this dip in one sitting, chop only enough lettuce and tomatoes and cook bacon for the portion you plan to serve. Then, you can store the dip without the topping in your fridge. When you are ready to serve it again, chop fresh lettuce and tomatoes and cook more bacon.
Enjoy this layered BLT Dip at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
More dip and spread recipes
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BLT Dip Recipe (An Easy Cold Party Dip)
Equipment
- food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup 4% milkfat cottage cheese
- ½ cup full-fat cream cheese softened
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained and patted dry, Roma or cherry tomatoes work best
- 1 cup chopped lettuce, I like to use iceberg lettuce
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- Optional: green onions or scallions sliced
- Dippers and scoopers (toasted baguette slices, toast points, crackers, or fresh veggies
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese and softened cream cheese in a food processor until smooth.
- Add the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined.
- Spread the creamy mixture onto a serving plate or shallow dish. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and crumbled bacon.
- If desired, sprinkle with sliced green onions for added flavor and color. Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.
Julie
This is seriously delicious! My husband, who is not a “dip guy” just gobbled this up. Must be the bacon! Thank you for this – will make this many times.
Sharon Rigsby
Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know! I am so happy you both enjoyed it!
All the best,
Sharon