The ultimate easy dip — served cold with corn chips, crackers, crostini or pita wedges. You can lighten up the calories by using reduced fat cream cheese and reduced fat sour cream, but don’t go for the fat-free. The texture will be way off and you probably won’t enjoy it.

1 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (go for a thicker shred than the feather – it makes the dip have a better “mouth feel”)
1 packet powdered ranch dressing mix
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
5 or 6 sliced green onions
Optional garnishes: additional cooked crumbled bacon, sliced green onions

Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer until completely smooth (1-2 minutes).
Add the sour cream and beat for 1 more minute until thoroughly combined with the cream cheese.
Stir in the cheese, ranch mix, bacon and green onions until well combined.
Serve chilled, topped with additional bacon and green onions if desired.