Warm Bleu Cheese, Bacon, and Garlic Dip

I know that most people claim to hate bleu cheese, but you will change your mind completely when you try this hot dip.
It is truly divine.  Every single time I have made this dish for a party, people freak about how great it is and immediately ask for the recipe.  Give it a try! You know you want to...

WARM BLEU CHEESE, BACON & GARLIC DIP

7 slices bacon, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. half and half

4 oz. bleu cheese crumbles

2 Tbsp. fresh chives, chopped

3 Tbsp. smoked almonds, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until almost crisp (about 7 minutes). Drain the excess fat, then add the minced garlic and cook until the bacon is crisp (about 3 minutes). 

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the 1/2 & 1/2, and mix until combined.  Stir in the bacon mixture, bleu cheese, and chives.  Transfer to a 1 qt. about 2 cup size) baking dish and lightly cover with foil. Bake until thoroughly heated-about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, take off the foil and sprinkle with the chopped almonds. Serve immediately.

 

 We love to have this dip with great baguette bread, sliced or with unsalted crackers.  I'm sure it is also fabulous with veggies such as carrots, celery, and broccoli.