Goat Cheese And Bacon Pops Recipes

GOAT CHEESE AND BACON POPS

Steps:

• Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. In food processor, process cream cheese, chèvre cheese and 1 teaspoon of the basil until well beaten.
• Using small cookie scoop, shape mixture into balls; place on cookie sheet. Insert lollipop stick into each ball. Freeze 20 minutes.
• In food processor, process pecans, bacon and remaining 1 teaspoon basil with on/off pulses until finely ground. Roll cheese balls in bacon mixture. If needed, press mixture onto balls to stick.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate in covered container until serving time.

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.

PASTA WITH ONION, BACON, AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook pasta. Drain, reserving 2 cups pasta water; return pasta to pot.
• Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet over medium, turning, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes; remove to a paper-towel-lined plate.
• Add onions, garlic, and thyme to fat in skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Uncover; cook until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes more.
• Crumble goat cheese over pasta; add onion mixture and 1 cup reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Toss, adding more pasta water as desired. Serve immediately, sprinkled with bacon and more thyme.