Decadent Whipped Blue Cheese Dip with Bacon, Fig Jam, & Toasted 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 tablespoon cream such as heavy cream, half & half, or whole milk
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- ¼-1/2 cup fig jam
- 2 slices thick cut bacon cooked & crumbled
- ¼ 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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