Imagine a creamy, tangy blue cheese dip, whipped until light and airy, topped with a luscious layer of fig jam, crispy bits of smoky bacon, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Each bite is an irresistible combination of bold, savory flavors and subtle sweetness, balanced with just the right amount of texture. This elegant yet simple dish makes for a standout holiday appetizer or the perfect party snack to impress your guests without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
- Flavor Harmony: The bold, tangy blue cheese is mellowed by the sweetness of fig jam, while smoky bacon and toasted walnuts add richness and texture. It’s a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist.
- Effortlessly Elegant: With minimal prep time and a gorgeous presentation, this dip feels fancy enough for a holiday spread but is easy enough for any casual gathering.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, or warm bread, this dip fits perfectly into any menu and is sure to be a hit with guests.
- A Little Sweet, A Little Savory: If you love a dish that brings together the best of both worlds, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredient Notes:
- 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.
Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Tips & Recipe Notes:
- 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. Learn how to make your own fig jam for an extra homemade touch.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a beautiful aromatic touch to the dip, but you can easily swap it for rosemary or sage if you prefer. The herbs can also be omitted if you’re short on fresh ingredients.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This dip is great served either chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it in the microwave before serving. Just be careful not to overheat it, as it could affect the texture.
More Holiday Recipes You Will Love:
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
- Southern Fried Cabbage
- Mushroom & Garlic Hamburger Gravy
- Bacon & Gorgonzola Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Fig Jam Dressing
- Garlic, Chive, & Dill Compound Butter
- Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing
- Honey Garlic Creamed Corn
- Honey Cornbread & Sausage Dressing
- Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey Cinnamon Dijon Dressing
- Sage + White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Easy Cheese Stuffed Garlic-Butter Crescent Rolls
- Honey Balsamic Fried Red Cabbage with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
Whipped Blue Cheese Dip with Fig Jam, Bacon, & Walnuts
A luscious, creamy dip that combines the tangy richness of blue cheese with the sweetness of fig jam, savory bacon, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any party, this dip offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in every bite. Serve it with crackers, veggies, or your favorite dippers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 oz blue cheese crumbled
- 2-4 tbsp cream such as heavy cream, half & half, or whole milk
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1/4-1/2 cup fig jam
- 2 slices thick cut bacon cooked & crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
- fresh thyme for garnish
- salt & pepper to taste
- crackers or crostini for serving
Instructions
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.
Serve:
- Serve the dip with crackers, crostini, or gluten-free crackers (if preferred) for dipping.
Notes
- 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.
- Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 6.6gFat: 21.7gSaturated Fat: 11.2gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 344.3mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 5g
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