Kale and Bacon Cheesy Party Dip
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Recipe type: Appetizer
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: Party-size casserole dish
 
Kale. Bacon. Cheese. Do it.
Ingredients
  • 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 bunch lacinato kale, sliced into thin ribbons and then chopped roughly
  • .5 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced, minced, or zested
  • .25 c. white wine (like sauvignon blanc)
  • 1 8-oz. package lite cream cheese, or Neufchatel, removed from the packaging and softened in the microwave
  • .5 c mayonnaise
  • 2 c shredded cheese: combination of asiago, swiss, and fontina
  • 1 T red wine vinegar
  • .25 to .5 t dried crushed red pepper
  • 10-15 cranks of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350.
  2. Add bacon to a dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat, about 7 minutes or until the pieces are crisp. Stir the bacon around frequently to crisp all sides.
  3. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and drain it on a plate covered in paper towels.
  4. Carefully remove the bacon drippings from the pot {I like to pour it into a piece of foil molded over a small bowl, to store the grease until it is cool and ready to toss} but leave about a tablespoon in the pot.
  5. Sauté the kale, onion, and garlic in the bacon grease until the onion is tender.
  6. Add the wine and deglaze the pan, cooking for a minute or two.
  7. Remove from heat.
  8. In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until combined. Add the shredded cheeses, the red wine vinegar, the red pepper flakes and the black pepper, and stir until combined.
  9. Add the vegetable mixture from the pot, and stir again.
  10. Spray a small baking dish (1 or 1.5 qt) with cooking spray, and spoon in the combined mixture.
  11. {At this point you can cover and refrigerate for a day or so until you are ready to bake and serve.}
  12. When you are ready, top with the reserved crispy bacon pieces, and bake uncovered at 350 for 25-30 minutes until the Kale and Bacon Cheesy Party Dip is hot and melty.
  13. Serve with bread, crackers, and veggies.
Recipe by My Utensil Crock at https://www.myutensilcrock.com/2016/09/30/kale-and-bacon-cheesy-party-dip/