A packet of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning and a container of sour cream. It’s a reliable, simple dip recipe that has been a mainstay at potlucks, parties and holiday gatherings for decades.
While the original recipe is, unarguably, a classic veggie dip, it’s also an endlessly versatile base recipe you can load up with additional tasty ingredients to give ranch dip your own signature flair.
Keep reading for our Loaded Hidden Valley Ranch Dip recipe and ideas for further customization!
Loaded Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Recipe
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This recipe makes about 2 cups of dip.
Ingredients
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 Hidden Valley ranch packet
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (or green onions)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill
Don’t miss the story behind the original Hidden Valley ranch.
Directions
Step 1: Beat together the first three ingredients
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together the sour cream, softened cream cheese and buttermilk until smooth.
Step 2: Stir in seasoning
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Stir in the ranch packet, bacon, cheeses and herbs until evenly incorporated. This Hidden Valley ranch dip recipe is loaded with all the good stuff!
Step 3: Serve
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Serve with crackers, pretzels or fresh vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots and cucumbers).
Loaded Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Recipe Variations
The beauty of this Hidden Valley ranch dip recipe is that it’s easily adaptable. Here are a few of our favorite ways to customize this recipe:
- Southwest Hidden Valley Ranch Dip: Swap the bacon for cooked crumbled chorizo, add 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, swap the parsley and dill for fresh cilantro. Add fresh, diced jalapeno, to taste, for an extra kick.
- Buffalo Hidden Valley Ranch Dip: Add 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce (like Frank’s or one of these best hot sauce brands). Swap the Parmesan for blue cheese crumbles. Add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and garlic powder.
- Healthy(ish) Loaded Hidden Valley Ranch Dip: Swap the sour cream for fat-free sour cream or healthy Greek yogurt and use low-fat cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You may also opt for cooked turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
How to Store Hidden Valley Ranch Dip
Once prepared, ranch dip may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stir be before serving again since separation may occur. Ranch dip may also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
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