Jalapeno Ranch Crack Dip is the ultimate creamy, spicy party dip made with bacon, cheese, jalapeños, and ranch seasoning. Whether you're hosting game day, a potluck, or just craving an easy appetizer, this crack dip comes together fast and disappears even faster.
We used to make this dip for catering events, and without fail, there was rarely anything left over. It's always a hit! While we've mostly served it with crispy tortilla chips, we've found that it's just as delicious with Fritos for that extra crunch. For those looking for a healthier option, celery sticks and cucumber slices pair perfectly with the dip, offering a refreshing and light way to enjoy all that creamy, zesty goodness.
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Ingredients
To make Jalapeno Ranch Crack Dip, you will need these easy-to-find items
- Sour Cream - The creamy base that makes the dip rich and smooth.
- Mayonnaise - Adds extra creaminess and helps the flavors blend together.
- Ranch Packet Mix - The classic ranch flavor shortcut.
- Cilantro - Fresh and bright, it adds a bold herby kick!
- Pickled Jalapeños - Gives just the right heat with a tangy bite without overpowering.
- Jalapeño Juice - The extra zing that spreads flavor throughout the whole dip.
- Buttermilk - Thins the dip slightly and adds a smooth, tangy finish.
- Garlic powder and Salt - Simple seasonings to deepen the ranch flavor and bring balance.
- Lime Zest - A pop of citrus that makes the dip taste fresh and vibrant.
- Tortilla Chips - The perfect crunchy dipper!
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to make Jalapeno Ranch Crack Dip
Everything you need to know is laid out in these easy-to-follow steps. This is one of the easiest dips you can make using simple pantry staples, and it comes together in minutes.
- Step 1: Mix the base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
- Step 2: Blend the Jaapeño Mixture. Add the cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño juice to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
ProTip: Leave the cilantro stems on when blending. They pack a ton of favor.
- Step 3: Combine. Pour the blended jalapeño mixture into the sour cream mixture. Stir until the dip turns light green and everything is evenly mixed.
- Step 4: Add Tang and Chil. Stir in the buttermilk and lime zest, then taste and adjust with more salt if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors fully develop. This Jalapeno Ranch Crack Dip should be thick, creamy, and packed with bold ranch and jalapeño flavor once fully chilled.
ProTip: Add more jalapeño juice and buttermilk for a smoother, creamier consistency. Keep in mind the dip thickens slightly after chilling.
Jalapeno Ranch Crack Dip Substitutions
Don't forget to make this recipe yours! If you want spicy, go spicy. See more options below:
- Make it Spicier - Use fresh jalapeños. I still suggest removing the seeds, though.
- More Citrus - Add the juice of 1 lime for a more citrus kick, along with the zest.
- Buttermilk - If you don't have buttermilk on hand, use more sour cream mixed with regular milk.
- Not a Cilantro Fan? Use dill in place of cilantro. Dill goes great with pickled ingredients like jalapeños.
Equipment and supplies
- Food Processor - Quickly blends the cilantro and jalapeño mixture until smooth.
- Mixing bowl - A large bowl for stirring everything together easily.
- Spatula - Perfect for scraping the bowl and mixing until further combined.
- Lime Zester - Adds fresh lime zest for bright citrus flavors.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover Jalapeño Ranch Crack Dip (if there are any) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Stir before serving, as the dip may thicken slightly as it chills.
- We don't recommend freezing, since the texture can separate after thawing.
Build a party Spread with Jalapeno Ranch Crack dip
If you're putting together a party spread or catering-style appetizer table, this Jalapeno Ranch Crack Dip fits right in. Pair it with a few crowd favorites, and you'll have an easy lineup that covers spicy, creamy, crunchy, and savory! Perfect for game day, holidays, or any event.
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip - Another creamy favorite that brings the heat and keeps guests coming back.
- Dill Dip with Veggies - A fresh, herby dip that balances out the spice and pairs great with crunchy vegetables.
- Simple Cheese Ball - A classic appetizer that's perfect with crackers and easy to prep ahead.
- Bacon and Blue Sliders - A hearty option that turns your appetizer spread into a full-on party meal.
More Appetizers
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Jalapeño Ranch Crack Dip
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Mayo
- 3 tablespoon Ranch Packet Mix
- 1 Bunch Cilantro
- 1 Cup Jalapeños pickled
- ¼ Cup Juice from Jalapeño Jar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Lime zested
- ½ Cup Buttermilk
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together sour cream, mayo, ranch packet and garlic powder.
- With a food processor, puree cilantro, jalapeños and jalapeño juice.
- Add jalapeño mixture to sour cream mixture. Mix.
- Add in buttermilk and lime zest. Add in salt to taste. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve with Tortilla Chips.
Nutrition
Pairing
Pair your Jalapeño Ranch Crack Dip with these Main Course meals:
Chef Tim Clowers says
This is one of favorite dips to make during summer time or even in the spring.