Creamy Goat Cheese Bacon And Date Dip Recipes

CREAMY GOAT CHEESE, BACON AND DATE DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Transfer to a 1-quart baking dish or ovenproof skillet, and spread into an even layer. Bake until warmed through and bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, then add the dates to the bacon fat in the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the insides are warm and the outsides blister, about 1 minute.
• Top the baked cheese with the dates and bacon, and garnish as you wish. Serve at once.

GOAT CHEESE AND BACON DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spread pecans in ungreased shallow pan. Bake uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light brown. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon 10 minutes, until crisp, stirring frequently. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Cook garlic in bacon drippings 1 minute.
• In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add half-and-half, beating until combined. Stir in bacon, garlic, goat cheese and 2 teaspoons thyme. Spoon mixture into ungreased 1-quart casserole or 4 (8-oz) individual baking dishes (ramekins).
• Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve dip warm with pear slices, baguette slices and crackers.

WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE WITH WARM CANDIED BACON AND DATES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2. On the baking sheet, toss together the bacon, 1 tablespoon rosemary, the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, and the cayenne. Arrange in an even layer. Tear the dates and scatter them around the bacon. Bake 8-10 minutes, until the bacon is crisping.3. Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The goat cheese mix can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring to room temp before serving. 4. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon rosemary, a pinch of cayenne - to taste, and a pinch of salt. 5. Spoon the goat cheese into a serving bowl and then top with the warm bacon and dates. Drizzle over a little the rosemary honey. Serve with bread or crackers.