WARM BLUE CHEESE, BACON & GARLIC DIP

Warm Blue Cheese, Bacon & Garlic Dip image

This is a favorite snack of mine that I serve when hosting my husband's office parties. Crunchy smoked almonds complement the creamy cheese dip.-Barb Whatley, Fremont, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

7 bacon strips, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons minced chives
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped smoked almonds
Bagel chips

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1/2 teaspoon drippings., Saute garlic in reserved drippings for 1 minute; transfer to a small bowl. Add cream cheese and cream; beat until smooth. Stir in the blue cheese, chives and bacon., Transfer to a 1-qt. baking dish; cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with almonds; serve with chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 20g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 464mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 9g protein.