Swiss and Bacon Dip

There isn't much I can say about this dip besides the fact that it is good, really good. The combination of Swiss cheese, bacon, and smoked almonds is delicious. It is also a very "manly" dip. With football season only a few short weeks away, this is the perfect dip to be served on football watching days (Go EAGLES!). If football isn't your "thing", and you are more into book club meetings and a glass of Chardonnay, well then you are in luck as well since this dip tastes fantastic for any kind of entertaining.

The dip is made very quickly by mixing cooked bacon bits with cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, scallions, and of course Swiss cheese. The dish is then baked until golden and bubbly. Then, right before serving, it is topped with chopped smoked almonds. Easy enough, even my teenager could make this. You can also kick this recipe up a notch by adding a couple of teaspoons horseradish into the mixture before baking. I made sure to only add almonds down the middle of the dip since not everyone cares for them, and this gave people an option to choose with or without nuts.

I served this dip with fresh baguette slices and carrots, but any kind of cracker, flat-bread, or crostini would be wonderful served along side. This dip was very well received with everyone who tried it, and has now gotten a permanent spot in my recipe file. I know I will be making this recipe a lot in the coming months, especially considering all of the entertaining events fall will bring. I really hope you will give this dish a try, it is truly a wonderful combination that you don't want to miss out on!

Swiss and Bacon Dip
(adapted from Rachael Ray)
(Printable Recipe)

Ingredients:

8 slices center cut bacon, chopped
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 rounded teaspoons prepared Dijon style mustard
2 rounded teaspoons horseradish (optional)
1 1/2 cups Swiss Cheese, shredded
3 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup smoked almonds, coarsely chopped
Baby carrots and a selection of breads or crackers for dipping

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Brown bacon in nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Drain crisp bacon bits on paper towels.

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish (if using), Swiss cheese, and scallions with cooked bacon. Transfer to a shallow small casserole or baking dish and bake until golden and bubbly at edges, 15 to 18 minutes. Top with chopped smoked almonds. Place dip on a platter and surround warm casserole with breads and carrots for dipping.