📖 Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important for perfectly crispy bacon.
2. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Trust me on this one—I’ve learned the hard way!
3. Now, lay your bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. We want them to cook evenly.
4. Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s nice and crispy, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on it, because ovens vary. You don’t want burnt bacon!
5. While the bacon is baking, it’s a good time to get started on the creamy part of the dip. In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk ranch dressing, and green onions. Give it a good whisk until it’s all nice and combined.
6. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, roughly chop it into small pieces.
7. Now, add the chopped bacon to the sour cream mixture. Gently stir to combine—you don't want to overmix and make it all gloppy.
8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a lovely sharpness and creamy texture to the dip.
9. If you want to give it an extra zing, add a pinch of garlic powder and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Remember, taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
10. Finally, taste the dip and adjust seasoning as needed. A tiny bit of salt and pepper can really elevate the flavor.
11. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to chill to the perfect temperature.
12. Serve your dip with your favorite dippers such as tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks and enjoy!