Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip

Ah, the Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip! It’s my secret weapon at parties and a dish that never fails to impress. With its creamy texture and that alluring sweet-savory dance thanks to the candied bacon, it’s like music for your taste buds. Every time I whip this up, I’m reminded of lazy Sunday afternoons spent gathering with friends, sharing stories, and devouring all things delicious. This dip has a way of bringing people together and sparking joy—trust me, your gatherings will be taken to the next level.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about the magic of this dip! Picture this: you’ve got the tanginess of creamy goat cheese mingling with the richness of cream cheese and sour cream, balanced perfectly by the savory crunch of bacon. Top it off with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and you’ve got yourself a flavor explosion. This isn’t just a dip; it’s an experience—smooth, luscious, and utterly indulgent.

It’s perfect for game day, wine nights, or just chilling on the couch with a good movie (you know, that kind of comfort you can eat). The best part? It’s incredibly easy to throw together and can be prepped in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the good company. Plus, it checks all the boxes: creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. What’s not to love?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get our shopping list sorted! This dip needs just the right lineup of flavors to sing.

• 8 ounces goat cheese, softened: This creamy delight is the dip’s star. The tanginess lends an exciting lift and adds a rustic touch to our spread. If you’re not a goat cheese fan, a soft cream cheese can be a great substitute, but you’ll miss that signature kick.

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: A velvety addition that creates a smooth and rich base. Let it warm up a little so it’s easy to mix.

• 1/2 cup sour cream: It’s tangy and helps to balance all the richness going on. It also makes the dip lighter, which is a nice touch!

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This ingredient brings creaminess to the table. Don’t skimp on it; you want that silky mouthfeel. However, you could swap it out for Greek yogurt if you’re looking to lighten things up or reduce calories without losing too much creaminess.

• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped: Crisp it up, and you’ve got the hero of our dip. Bacon adds that crunch and a dose of umami which makes everything better. For a healthier twist, turkey bacon or a smoky mushroom alternative can bring a fun flavor profile.

• 1/4 cup brown sugar: The sweet surprise! It will caramelize a bit with the bacon, giving that irresistible touch of sweetness. If you want an unexpected twist, try maple syrup instead.

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of spice to round everything out, adding warmth without stealing the show.

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Keep things bright and fresh. The chives add color and a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess.

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Like chives, parsley lifts your dip, giving it a fresh pop of green and flavor.

The cooking process explained

Making this dip is as straightforward as spreading butter on toast. Ready? Let’s dive into the process.

1. Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine your goat cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Whip it together with a spatula or electric mixer until it’s smooth and luscious. You want a silky texture that begs to be dipped into.

2. Crispy Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook that chopped bacon until it’s crispy. This step brings out all that flavor! Once it’s crisped up, let it drain on paper towels to cool off and soak up some of that grease. Yum!

3. Candied Bacon Magic: Now, in the same skillet (don’t you dare wash it yet!), add the brown sugar. Cook it until it melts and bubbles—keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally. Then, toss the crispy bacon back in, stirring to coat. The caramelization will elevate the bacon to another level—trust me, this is the magic moment!

4. Mix it Up: Fold that buttery bacon into your creamy cheese mixture, followed by the black pepper, chives, and parsley. Don’t rush this step; you want every bit to be evenly distributed for maximum flavor in each dip.

5. Chill Time: Transfer everything to a nice serving dish. Pop it into the fridge to chill for at least an hour or until you’re ready to serve. This helps those flavors meld together beautifully, and it will be extra refreshing!

How to serve it

Presentation is everything, my friend! Serve this dip in a charming bowl alongside a platter of crispy crackers, slices of crusty baguette, or even fresh veggies for those health-conscious folks. You might want to sprinkle a few extra chives or parsley on top for that final touch of elegance.

For an extra layer of yum, consider adding sliced apples or pears to the side— they bring a crisp, refreshing contrast that pairs wonderfully with the creamy dip. If your guests are feeling adventurous, a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top could elevate your presentation and flavor to a new realm!

Storage and reheating tips

Let’s save those leftovers! If you happen to have any (which is unlikely, but just in case), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dip lasts about 3 to 5 days, but trust me, you’ll want to finish it sooner than that. As for reheating, you can gently warm it in a microwave for a few seconds if you like, but I prefer serving it cold—it’s just so refreshing that way!

Pro chef tips

• Soften those cheeses: Give your cream cheese and goat cheese a little time to come to room temperature. This makes the mixing easier and leads to a smoother texture.

• Crisp up that bacon: Make sure your bacon is nice and crispy; it adds that satisfying crunch and texture that everyone will be raving about.

• Let it chill: Don’t skip the chilling step; this is where the flavors truly come alive. It deepens those flavors beautifully!

Creative Twists

Want to add a personal touch? Here are some variations to keep things exciting:

• Herb blitz: Instead of chives and parsley, try fresh basil or dill for a vibrant shift in flavor.

• Spicy kick: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who like a bit of heat.

• Nutty crunch: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans alongside your bacon for an additional layer of texture and nuttiness.

Ingredients list

• 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions to follow

1. In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. In the same skillet, melt brown sugar until bubbly; add bacon back and stir to coat.
4. Mix bacon into the cheese mixture along with black pepper, chives, and parsley.
5. Transfer to a serving dish and chill until ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers or bread.

Your questions answered

• What’s the prep time?: You’re looking at about 15-20 minutes to prep, plus at least one hour to chill.

• Can I make it ahead of time?: Absolutely! It’s even better when made a day ahead.

• What can I substitute for goat cheese?: Cream cheese works well; just expect a different flavor profile.

• Can I freeze this dip?: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dip; it’s best enjoyed fresh for that creamy texture.

• What should I serve it with?: Try crackers, bread, fresh veggies, or even apple slices for a delicious contrast!

When you try this Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip, remember that cooking is all about joy and creativity. Allow yourself to play with the flavors, feel free to make it your own, and don’t be shy about sharing it with those you love (and maybe keep some for yourself, too!). I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Print Recipe

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Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip

Cooking Method: Mixing Courses: Appetizer, Sauces & Dips, Snack Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy Non Vegetarian P Party

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip is a creamy, indulgent delight that combines the tanginess of goat cheese with the sweetness of candied bacon. Perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy movie marathons.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces goat cheese, softened (Can substitute with soft cream cheese)
• ¹⁄₂ cup cream cheese, softened (Let it warm up for easy mixing)
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream (Provides tanginess)
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise (Can substitute with Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (Use crispy bacon for best texture)
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar (Can substitute with maple syrup for a twist)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper (Adds a pinch of spice)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (For color and mild onion flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (Adds freshness)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Make the Creamy Base

   In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
   Use a spatula or electric mixer for a silky texture.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare the Bacon

   Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
   Crisping the bacon enhances its flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Candied Bacon Preparation

   In the same skillet, melt brown sugar until bubbly; add bacon back and stir to coat.
   Stir occasionally for even caramelization.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Everything Together

   Fold the bacon into the creamy cheese mixture along with black pepper, chives, and parsley.
   Ensure even distribution for maximum flavor.
   Mark as complete

5. Chill the Dip

   Transfer to a serving dish and chill until ready to serve.
   Chilling helps flavors meld and enhances refreshing taste.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 11g56%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 60mg20%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 250mg8%

Total Carbohydrate 16g6%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 10g

Protein 16g32%

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Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 15 mg

Iron 4 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 2 mg

Riboflavin 5 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 2 mg

Folate 2 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 2 mg

Phosphorus 10 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 2 mg

Zinc 4 mg

Selenium 6 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Perfect for game day or gatherings.

Keywords: dip, goat cheese, bacon, appetizers, party food