– Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the dip, providing a smooth and neutral flavor that balances the tanginess of the blue cheese. Use full-fat for the best texture and richness. – Garlic: Adds a subtle savory depth to the dip. Fresh garlic is ideal, but a small pinch of garlic powder works in a pinch. – Cream: Helps create the whipped, airy texture. Use heavy cream for the richest result, but half-and-half can work if you prefer a lighter option. – Blue Cheese: The star of the show! Opt for a high-quality blue cheese like gorgonzola or Roquefort for a bold, tangy flavor. Crumbling the blue cheese makes blending easier – Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that complements the sweetness of the jam and the creaminess of the cheese. Cook it until crisp for the best texture.
– Fig Jam: Sweet and slightly earthy, this balances the richness of the dip and ties all the flavors together. Any good-quality fig jam will do, or try making your own! – Walnuts: Toasted for extra crunch and nuttiness. Be sure to cool them completely before adding to maintain their crisp texture. – Fresh Thyme: A delicate herb that adds a hint of earthiness and a pop of color. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
To Make Gluten-Free – All Ingredients: All the ingredients listed in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, including the cream cheese, garlic, cream, blue cheese, bacon, fig jam, walnuts, and thyme. Just ensure that any processed items, like the bacon, fig jam, or pre-crumbled blue cheese, are labeled gluten-free. – Tip: If you serve the dip with crackers or bread, make sure they are gluten-free as well. – Nut-Free Walnuts Substitution: If you have a nut allergy, you can swap walnuts for seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If you need more crunch, breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed) can also work. – Low-Carb / Keto Fig Jam Substitution: Use a sugar-free fruit jam or make your own low-carb fig jam using a sugar substitute.
– To Make Dairy-Free / Vegan/ Paleo Cream Cheese Substitution: Use plant-based cream cheese (such as cashew or almond-based) or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Cream Substitution: Opt for coconut cream, oat cream, or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Cashew cream can also be used for a creamy, nutty flavor. Blue Cheese Substitution: Use a dairy-free, plant-based blue cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute with a sharp, dairy-free cheese like vegan cheddar or goat cheese. Bacon Substitution: Try tempeh bacon, coconut bacon, or sauteed mushrooms for a smoky, alternative.
– Blue Cheese Flavor: The blue cheese flavor in this dip is strong, so if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feel free to use a milder cheese like goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist. – Nut Variations: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try pecans or hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth. – Sweetness Level: The fig jam adds a lovely sweetness that balances the richness of the blue cheese and the savory bacon. If you prefer a less sweet dip, you can swap the fig jam for a more tart fruit preserve, like apricot or cherry.
Cook the Bacon: – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. – Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Toast the Walnuts: – In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Whipped Blue Cheese Base: – In a food processor, combine the cubed cream cheese, garlic, half of the blue cheese crumbles, and 2 tablespoons of cream. – Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Add Remaining Blue Cheese: – Add the remaining blue cheese crumbles to the food processor and pulse a few times to incorporate. This will leave small pieces of blue cheese for texture.
Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: – Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper to your preference. – If you’d like a smoother consistency, add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, and blend until you achieve your desired texture. Plate the Dip: – Transfer the whipped blue cheese mixture to a serving plate or bowl. – (Optional: For a firmer dip, chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after plating to allow the dip to set.) Assemble the Dip: – Top the whipped blue cheese dip with fig jam, crumbled bacon, and toasted walnuts. – Garnish with fresh thyme and a few cracks of black pepper for extra flavor.