Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until well combined and smooth.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and mix again until everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Transfer the cheesy bacon and onion spread to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with your favorite bread or crackers.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of spread
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use any other type of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- You can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon instead of regular bacon.
- If you don't like onions, you can omit them or use finely chopped scallions instead.
- You can use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or basil, for extra flavor.
- Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce or BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy spread.
- You can make this spread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want a thinner consistency, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the mixture.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cheesy bacon and onion spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This spread is best served cold, so there's no need to reheat it.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cheesy bacon and onion spread in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with additional crumbled bacon and chopped scallions for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve with your favorite bread or crackers.
- This spread also goes well with fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the spread is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the spread is too runny, you can add more cream cheese or shredded cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly before adding it to the spread.
- Store the spread in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 3 days.
Food history:
- Sandwich spreads have been popular since the early 1900s and were often made with mayonnaise, mustard, and various seasonings.
Flavor profiles:
- This spread is creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of sweetness from the onions.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Pack in a lunchbox with bread or crackers for a tasty and easy lunch.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Bacon, Onion, Tangy, Salty, Bacon-Y, Onion-Y