Budget Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake

ranch dressing

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: homemade ranch dressing

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack

Monterey jack is often less expensive than cheddar

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories

Cook 6 strips of bacon and reserve the drippings in the pan.

Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Chop onion and garlic, then add to the bacon drippings in the pan; stir until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add 2 cups of milk to the pan with the onions and garlic.

Add 8 oz of cream cheese (cut into cubes) and ranch seasoning mix to the milk; stir until melted and smooth.

Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce and stir until combined.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey chunks, half a cup of green onions, and the sauce; mix until evenly blended.

Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and pour the mixture into the dish, smoothing it out.

Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top of the mixture.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens