RECIPES

Bacon and Smoky Blue Cheese Dip

"WARNING: No one will eat anything else on the table if this is served! The smoky blue cheese stole the show, but the water chestnuts and bacon totally complemented the blue." - Argie

Active Time

25 Minutes

Servings

Makes

2 1/2 Cups

Ingredients

6 thick-cut bacon strips
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package (8 ounces) Crystal Farms Original Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can (8 ounces) diced water chestnuts, drained
6 ounces Carr Valley Smoked Glacier Point Blue™ Cheese, crumbled (1 cup)
Assorted crackers and fresh vegetables

Cheese

Look for the Proudly Wisconsin Badge when shopping for cheese. Any brand of Wisconsin Blue or Cream Cheese can be used in this recipe.

Instructions

Heat oven to 350°F. Place a greased wire rack on an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
Arrange bacon on rack, taking care not to overlap. Rub with brown sugar; sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bacon is just crisp, turning once. When cool enough to handle, chop bacon. Set aside.
Beat cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the water chestnuts, blue cheese and bacon. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve with crackers and vegetables.

Recipe Tip

A blue cheese that doesn't have smoked flavor could be substituted in this recipe.

Cheesemonger Tip

Crumbling a blue cheese wedge is easy! Place the wedge into the freezer for about 30 minutes; then crumble it with a knife. Blue cheese softens quickly at room temperature. For best results, keep the cheese cold for easier handling.