Game Day Snacking...Minus the Extra Fat and Calories: Lighter Bacon-Ranch Chile Popper Dip #gamedaysnacks #footballfood #healthyappetizer #bacon #ranch #spicyfood

 

Football season is finally underway! That means we're gearing up for Texans games...and enjoying yummy game day treats. All that indulging in tasty treats can wreak havoc on your waistline...but it doesn't have to! My Lighter Bacon-Ranch Chile Popper Dip has all the flavor of a decadent, full-fat dip! It's lower in both calories and fat...but it's still super. This dip is a snap to make and can even be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and chilled in the fridge until 30 minutes before kickoff. Simply place the dip in an oven-safe baking dish and heat for 15-20 minutes. Score!

Lighter Bacon-Ranch Chile Popper Dip

a Weekend Gourmet Original

Ingredients (makes approx. 2 cups of dip):

• 8-ounce tub reduced-fat whipped cream cheese
• 4.5-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained [NOTE: I used chiles that were medium heat]
• 3 slices bacon -- cooked crisp, then patted thoroughly with paper towels and crumbled
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 packet Ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix
• 1 tsp. dried cilantro
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar (two 1/2-cup portions)

Directions:

Step 1: Assemble the dip mixture. Add the whipped cream cheese, Ranch seasoning packet, sliced green onions, 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, and the drained chiles to a mixing bowl. Stir well to completely combine the ingredients.

Step 2: Spoon the dip mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. At this point, you can refrigerate the dip for up to 24 hours if you like.

Step 3: When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 375℉. Cook the dip for 15 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese in the center of the baking dish. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the dip is browned and bubbly at the edges. 

This dip is super delicious -- you and your guests will never in a million years guess that it's made with better-for-you ingredients! This warm dip is creamy and cheesy...with a bit of heat from the chiles and smokiness from the bacon. This dip is best served with healthy dippers like raw veggies, baked chips, or even mini rice cakes. I hope you'll give this delicious dip a try for your next homegate party!