If you love all things creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, these Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups are your new summer go-to. Served in convenient individual cups, they’re the ultimate party-ready side dish—easy to prep, fun to eat, and impossible to resist. With smoky bacon, cool cucumbers, and a rich ranch dressing coating every strand of slaw, it’s no wonder these little cups are trending everywhere from cookouts to lunchboxes.
Whether you’re planning a BBQ, picnic, or meal prep session, this delicious twist on classic coleslaw is a total game-changer. And yes, these Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups are just as crave-worthy as they sound.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Just toss, fill, and chill. No cooking required!
- Perfect for Parties – Serve them in individual cups for easy grab-and-go portions.
- Packed with Flavor – Ranch, cheddar, and bacon add bold, creamy, and smoky goodness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – They taste even better after chilling in the fridge.
- Great for All Diets – Easily made gluten-free and low-carb with a few tweaks.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups
- Coleslaw Mix – The crunchy base made of shredded cabbage and carrots that soaks up all the ranch goodness.
- Crispy Bacon – Adds a smoky, salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy slaw.
- Cheddar Cheese – Offers sharpness and creaminess to balance the tangy dressing.
- Cucumbers – Brings cool, refreshing texture and flavor.
- Chives – Adds mild onion flavor and fresh color.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing – A creamy blend of mayo, sour cream, herbs, and spices that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups
- Make the Ranch Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Toss the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, cucumber slices, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives. - Coat with Dressing
Pour the ranch dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until evenly coated. - Portion into Cups
Spoon the creamy slaw into small plastic or glass cups, filling each generously. - Top and Chill
Garnish with extra bacon, cheddar, and chives. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Expert Tip: Use a mandoline to get ultra-thin cucumber slices for a restaurant-style presentation.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicy – Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
- Add Protein – Mix in diced grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
- Lighten It Up – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or swap mayo with avocado-based dressing.
- Dairy-Free – Omit cheese and use vegan ranch for a dairy-free version.
- Keto Option – Skip the carrots and choose a low-carb coleslaw mix.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: These are best served cold, so no reheating needed!
- Make-Ahead: You can mix everything (except bacon) a day ahead. Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of creamy, comforting flavors like those in these slaw cups, you’ll definitely want to try these reader-favorite recipes too:
- Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles – A hearty and cheesy pasta dish that comes together fast for a satisfying dinner.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta – Rich, garlicky, and ultra-creamy with tender chicken in every bite.
- Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup – A cozy and indulgent soup that combines everything you love about lasagna with a creamy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of homemade?
Yes! Store-bought ranch works in a pinch, but homemade adds fresher flavor and allows for customization.
How far ahead can I prepare Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups?
You can prep the slaw mix and dressing a day in advance. For best texture, combine them and portion into cups the day you serve.
What’s the best way to make these cups look fancy?
Use clear plastic or glass cups, and layer the ingredients to show off the colors. Garnish the top with shredded cheese, chives, and crumbled bacon right before serving.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon alternatives or crispy roasted chickpeas.
These Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups are more than just a side dish—they’re a party favorite, meal prep hero, and lunchtime superstar all in one. With bold ranch flavor, crunchy textures, and savory bacon in every bite, they’re sure to disappear fast. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out!
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Creamy Bacon Ranch Slaw Cups
Ingredients
- – 3 cups coleslaw mix shredded cabbage and carrots
- – 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
- – ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- – ¼ cup chopped chives
- – ¾ cup mayonnaise
- – 2 tbsp sour cream
- – 2 tbsp milk or buttermilk
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1 tsp onion powder
- – ½ tsp dried dill
- – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper to make the ranch dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, cucumbers, cheddar, bacon, and chives.
- Pour dressing over the slaw mix and toss until everything is well coated.
- Spoon into small cups or bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon, and chives.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
– Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
– These cups are great for meal prep or party servings.