Ranch Wedge Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top; this lets excess fat drip away and keeps bacon crisp.

Sugar and pepper coat

Brush or sprinkle both sides of each bacon slice lightly with water to help the sugar adhere. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top side of each slice, then crack black pepper over the sugar.

Bake

Arrange bacon slices on the wire rack, sugared side up. Bake until sugar is caramelized and bacon is crisp, 15–20 minutes depending on thickness. Watch closely after 12 minutes to prevent burning.

Drain and chop

Remove bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and cool for 5 minutes. When cool but still slightly pliable, chop into 1/2–1 inch pieces for topping the wedge.

Toast panko mixture

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add panko breadcrumbs and stir to coat. Toast, stirring frequently, until crumbs are golden and crisp, about 4–6 minutes.

Season

Remove skillet from heat and immediately stir in the everything bagel seasoning so it adheres to the warm crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and let cool — the crumbs will crisp further as they cool.

Whisk base

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and slightly thick but pourable.

Season and rest

Add minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld (can be made up to 24 hours ahead).

Prepare the lettuce

Remove any loose outer leaves from the iceberg head, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Quarter the head through the core to create individual wedges. Keep the core intact so the wedge holds together; place each wedge on a chilled plate.

Add tomatoes and onion

Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and thin red onion slices around and atop each wedge for color and bite.

Dress the wedge

Spoon ranch dressing over the top of each wedge—start with about 2–3 tablespoons per wedge, allowing some to run down the sides. Add more to taste.

Top with crunchy elements

Sprinkle the everything bagel crunchy crumbs generously over the dressed wedge so they adhere to the dressing. Then scatter chopped candied bacon pieces over the top.

Finish and serve

Garnish with crumbled blue cheese (if using) and snipped chives. Serve immediately so the crunchy topping stays crisp.