Gourmet Warm Blue Cheese & Bacon Dip
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Gourmet Warm Blue Cheese & Bacon Dip, perfect for entertaining or enjoying a cozy night in. This dip harmoniously combines the creamy texture of cream cheese with the bold taste of blue cheese, accented by the crunch of crispy bacon and the fragrant touch of roasted garlic. Enhanced with fresh chives and topped with smoked almonds, this dish is not only a delight for the palate but also an inviting centerpiece for any gathering. Serve it warm with an array of accompaniments including crunchy crackers, toasted slices of French bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for the ultimate tasting experience. Originally featured in Bon Appetit's September 1989 issue, this updated version is sure to impress any blue cheese enthusiast.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
7 slices (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
cream cheese
8 ounces (room temperature)
half-and-half
1/4 cup
blue cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
fresh chives
2 tablespoons (chopped)
smoked almonds
3 tablespoons (chopped (about 1 oz.))
Instructions
1
In a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced bacon until it is almost crisp, which should take about 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bacon becomes crisp and the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
4
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
5
Gradually add the half-and-half to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined.
6
Fold in the bacon mixture from the skillet, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped fresh chives gently until thoroughly mixed.
7
Transfer the mixture to a 2-cup ovenproof baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. (At this point, you can refrigerate it overnight if desired; just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking.)
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with chopped smoked almonds before serving.
10
Enjoy warm with crackers, toasted French bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Warm Blue Cheese & Bacon Dip?
It is a rich and savory appetizer that combines cream cheese and blue cheese with crispy bacon, roasted garlic, and fresh chives, topped with smoked almonds.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Cook the diced bacon in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes until it is almost crisp.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I make this blue cheese dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 2-cup ovenproof baking dish.
How long does the dip need to bake?
The dip should be baked for approximately 30 minutes until it is heated through and bubbly.
What are the primary ingredients in this dip?
The ingredients include bacon, garlic cloves, cream cheese, half-and-half, blue cheese, fresh chives, and smoked almonds.
What should I serve with this gourmet dip?
It is best served warm with crackers, toasted slices of French bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Does the cream cheese need to be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture when beaten with the mixer.
How many garlic cloves are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
When do I add the smoked almonds?
Sprinkle the chopped smoked almonds over the top of the dip after it has been removed from the oven.
Is it necessary to drain the bacon fat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after the bacon is cooked to prevent the dip from becoming oily.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While this recipe specifically highlights blue cheese, you can substitute other bold cheeses, though the flavor profile will change.
How do I know when the garlic is ready?
Cook the minced garlic with the bacon for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Should the baking dish be covered during baking?
Yes, the recipe recommends covering the baking dish with aluminum foil while it bakes.
What is the purpose of the half-and-half?
The half-and-half is added gradually to the cream cheese to create a smoother and more dipable consistency.
What was the original source of this recipe?
This recipe was originally featured in the September 1989 issue of Bon Appetit magazine.
How much blue cheese is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
Fresh chives are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried chives if fresh are unavailable.
Is this dip spicy?
No, this dip is savory and creamy rather than spicy.
What preparation is needed for the almonds?
The smoked almonds should be chopped; you will need about 3 tablespoons or 1 ounce.
Can I double the recipe for a larger party?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger ovenproof dish, though baking time may increase slightly.
How many slices of bacon are required?
The recipe calls for 7 slices of bacon, diced.
Can this dip be served cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is designed to be served warm for the best flavor experience.
What kind of bread goes well with this dip?
Toasted slices of French bread are an excellent accompaniment for this rich dip.
How do I incorporate the blue cheese?
Gently fold the crumbled blue cheese into the cream cheese mixture along with the bacon and chives.
Is the garlic roasted before adding to the dip?
The garlic is sautéed in the skillet with the bacon, giving it a fragrant, roasted quality.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients listed for this dip.
What makes this dip 'Gourmet'?
The combination of high-quality blue cheese, fresh chives, roasted garlic, and the crunchy finish of smoked almonds elevates it above standard dips.