This homemade Bacon Ranch Dressing combines classic ranch flavors with a rich and smoky bacon twist. Creamy and delicious, it works perfectly as a dip for veggies or as a dressing for any of your favorite salads.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Bacon Ranch Dressing Recipe

• Tangy, classic ranch flavors
• Creamy texture with chunks of smoky bacon
• Made with simple ingredients in under 15 minutes
• Taste better and healthier than store bought

Classic ranch flavors are taken to a whole new level with the addition of rich and savory bacon. This homemade bacon ranch dressing has the ultimate creamy texture with just the right amount of tanginess and a burst of smoky bacon goodness.

Perfect as a salad dressing or a dip, this homemade ranch is easy to whip up and packed with fresh flavor that you just can get from store-bought. Whether serving it with fresh veggies as a dip or drizzled over crisp salads, this dressing adds a delicious bacon-y ranch flavor that everyone will love.

It’s not just a dip or dressing! You can even use it as a sauce in casseroles, like this amazing Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole!  

🛒 Ingredients for Keto Bacon Ranch

• Uncured bacon
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Mayonnaise 
• Apple cider vinegar
• Bacon grease
• Dried parsley
• Dried dill
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Skillet
• Food processor

🔪 How to Make Bacon Ranch Dressing

Heat a skillet to medium and fry up your bacon until crisp. And yes, I fried one extra piece as a treat for my dog!

Set it aside to cool, then crumble into small pieces.

Remove 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet and add it to your food processor, along with the remaining ingredients, except for the bacon.

Pulse until well combined.

Add in the bacon and pulse briefly, just to slightly break down the bacon.

Chill the dressing in the fridge until ready to use over your favorite salad.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store the Bacon Ranch Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week. For the best flavor, give it a good stir before using, as some separation may happen the longer it sits.

🍴 Other Ways to Serve This Homemade Dressing

• Vegetable dip: Great with keto-friendly veggies like celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips.

• Chicken wings: Perfect as a dipping sauce or drizzle over these Buffalo Wings or these Lemon Pepper Wings.

• Crisps: Serve as a dip for homemade Baked Cheese Crisps.

• Healthy fries: Ideal for dipping Zucchini Fries or Avocado Fries.

• Deviled eggs: Use as a creamy dressing for homemade Deviled Eggs.

• Keto crackers: Perfect as a dip for keto-friendly crackers like these Everything Bagel Crackers or these Ranch Crackers.

💡 Tips for Making Bacon Ranch

• Make sure the bacon is extra crispy before crumbling. This adds a satisfying crunch and richer flavor to the dressing.

• Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until well combined, but be careful not to over-process. You want some bacon bits to remain chunky for added texture.

• Taste the dressing after it’s chilled and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch more salt or a dash of extra pepper can make a big difference.

• Use the bacon grease for a deeper flavor, but ensure it’s added at room temperature to avoid warming up the creamy ingredients.

• Give the dressing a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separated ingredients.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Sour cream: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier flavor and extra protein.

• Apple cider vinegar: Lemon juice or white wine vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar.

• Bacon grease: Substitute with olive oil or butter if you prefer not to use bacon grease.

• Fresh herbs: Add fresh dill or chives for extra flavor and a fresh touch.

• Hot Sauce: Incorporate a dash of hot sauce  (or a pinch of cayenne) for a spicy kick.

• Parmesan cheese: Mix in finely grated Parmesan for added depth and a cheesy note.

• Avocado: Blend in a bit of avocado for a creamier texture and additional nutrients.

Can I Make This Dressing Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this dressing a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving to ensure an even texture.

Can I Freeze This Dressing?

Freezing is not recommended for this dressing as it may alter the texture and cause separation when thawed.

Can I Use a Blender Instead of a Food Processor?

Yes, a blender can be used instead of a food processor. Just be careful not to over blend the bacon bits because you want some texture left in the dressing.

What if My Dressing is Too Thick after Chilling?

If the dressing becomes too thick after chilling, simply stir in an extra splash heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.

🍽️ More Keto Dressing Recipes

• Avocado Lime Cilantro Ranch
• Raspberry Vinaigrette
• Creamy Balsamic
• Thousand Island
• Creamy Garlic Italian
• Classic Ranch
• Blue Cheese

*Originally published on October 13, 2018, updated on August 8, 2024 with improvements to the recipe, new photos, new recipe information and helpful tips.