Description
Creamy whipped goat cheese topped with smoky candied bacon, fresh rosemary, and warm honey. This sweet and savory appetizer is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, and entertaining.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
For the Candied Bacon
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8 slices bacon, chopped 2 teaspoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder ½ teaspoon chili powder 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary Salt, to taste
For the Whipped Goat Cheese
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10 ounces creamy goat cheese, at room temperature 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature Pinch of salt
For Finishing and Serving
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⅓ cup honey Pretzels, bread, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Candied Bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon begins to brown and develop crisp edges. During the final 2 minutes, add the maple syrup, rosemary, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, and chili powder. Stir until evenly coated and glossy. Continue cooking until the bacon reaches your preferred crispness. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Warm the Honey
Carefully remove excess bacon fat from the skillet, leaving a thin coating and any flavorful browned bits. Add the honey and warm gently over low heat for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warm and pourable. Do not boil.
3. Whip the Goat Cheese
Add the room-temperature goat cheese, cream cheese, and a pinch of salt to a food processor. Process until smooth, creamy, and fluffy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The mixture should be thick enough to hold soft swirls when spread with a spoon.
4. Assemble the Dip
Spoon the whipped goat cheese onto a shallow serving platter. Use the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls and small valleys. Scatter the candied bacon over the cheese, then drizzle with the warm honey. Keep the bacon on top to preserve its crisp texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange salted pretzels around the platter or serve them in a separate bowl. Serve while the bacon and honey are slightly warm, allowing guests to scoop up the creamy cheese, sweet bacon, and honey together.
Notes
WP Tasty Recipe Notes
Crispy bacon: Allow the bacon to brown before adding the maple syrup and spices. Watch the heat carefully to prevent burning.
Creamy texture: Use softened goat cheese and cream cheese. Avoid adding excess liquid, which can make the dip runny.
Make ahead: Whip the cheese up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Prepare the bacon shortly before serving for the best crunch.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers promptly and enjoy within 3 days. Do not leave the dip at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, food processor, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American