Baked Bacon Pecan Goat Cheese Dip: Cheesy, Crispy, and Delicious

A bowl of goat cheese dip with bacon

A savory Bacon Pecan Goat Cheese Dip is on the menu for today’s festivities. As we celebrate National Canadian Bacon Day on March 3rd, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to craft this delectable dish that highlights the star ingredient of today.

Baked bacon pecan goat cheese dip recipe

Baked bacon pecan goat cheese dip is a rich and savory appetizer that combines the creamy texture of goat cheese with the crunch of pecans and the smoky flavor of bacon. Since it’s Canadian bacon day, I’ll use this bacon type for the recipe.

Baked bacon pecan goat cheese dip with herbs

Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon or peameal bacon, is made from pork loin, rather than pork belly like traditional bacon. It is typically leaner and has a slightly different texture and flavor compared to the regular type.

Because the Canadian type is leaner than the traditional one, I need to adjust the seasoning or add a bit more fat (such as olive oil or butter) to compensate for the reduced fat content.

With the savory goodness of Canadian bacon, the crunch of pecans, and the creamy richness of goat cheese, this baked goat cheese dip recipe promises to be a flavor explosion. It’s one of my favorite dips, besides the Dirty Martini Dip. Here’s how to make the Bacon Pecan Goat Cheese Dip:

A bowl of goat cheese dip with bacon

Bacon Pecan Goat Cheese Dip

A luxuriously creamy and savory appetizer that combines tangy goat cheese with crispy bacon, toasted pecans, and honey for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dip
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices of Canadian bacon chopped
  • 4 ounces goat cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped Canadian bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Fold in the chopped pecans into the cheese mixture.
  • Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
  • Garnish with additional chopped chives if desired.
  • Serve warm with your favorite crackers, breadsticks, chips, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

Approximately 180 calories per serving, based on a serving size of 2 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal
Keyword bacon dip, bacon recipe, baking recipes, cocktail-inspired appetizer, homemade dip
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To reheat leftovers:

  • Microwave in 30-second intervals stirring between each
  • Oven reheating at 350°F restores the original texture best
  • Add fresh toppings after reheating for renewed crunch

Variations

1. Flavor Variations

You can adjust the flavor of the dish to make it recipe exciting for repeat servings:

Spicy Kick:

  • Diced jalapeños introduce pleasant heat
  • Sriracha sauce adds spicy-tangy notes
  • Red pepper flakes provide subtle warmth

Herb-Infused Elegance:

  • Fresh rosemary imparts aromatic pine notes
  • Thyme leaves contribute earthy undertones
  • Basil chiffonade adds fresh peppery flavor

Sweet Twist:

  • Caramelized onions introduce subtle sweetness
  • Fig jam creates a sweet-savory contrast
  • Maple-glazed pecans enhance overall sweetness

You can replace ingredients with other alternatives to suit personal preferences or availability issues without compromising the dip’s essence:

Original IngredientPotential SubstituteFlavor Impact
Goat CheeseFeta or Cream CheeseAlters tanginess level
PecansWalnuts or AlmondsChanges nutty flavor profile
BaconProsciutto or Sun-dried TomatoesAffects smoky/umami notes
Sour CreamGreek YogurtIncreases tanginess, reduces fat
MayonnaiseAvocadoAdds creaminess with different fat profile

How to pair

Baked bacon pecan goat cheese dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers and toppings. Here are some pairing ideas to elevate your snacking experience:

1. Dippers

  • Crackers: A mix of textures, like water crackers, whole grain, or everything bagel crackers, adds extra flavor to each bite.
  • Baguette Slices: Toasted baguette slices offer a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dip.
  • Vegetable Sticks: Fresh veggies such as celery, carrots, or bell peppers bring a refreshing crunch and balance to the richness.

2. Fruits

  • Pear Slices: The natural sweetness of pears pairs perfectly with the savory notes of the dip.
  • Apple Slices: Crisp apples add a sweet and tart contrast.
  • Grapes: Juicy grapes provide a burst of sweetness that balances the richness.

3. Beverages

  • Non-alcoholic drinks:
    • Sparkling Apple Cider: Effervescence and slight sweetness balance the dip’s savory notes
    • Cucumber-Mint Infused Water: Refreshing flavors cleanse the palate
    • Cranberry Spritzer: Tart flavors cut through the dip’s richness
  • Cocktails:
    • Bloody Mary
    • Old Fashioned: Whiskey notes complement bacon and pecans
    • Classic Martini: Clean flavors contrast with dip’s richness
  • Wine enhances dip enjoyment. The key is to find wines that can stand up to the rich creamy texture and complex flavors of the dip without overpowering it.
    • Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp acidity cuts through creaminess
    • Chardonnay unoaked: Buttery notes enhance cheese flavors
    • Pinot Noir: Light body pairs with bacon smokiness
    • Prosecco: Bubbles cleanse palate between bites
  • Beer pairing can elevate dip experience by offering a range of complementary flavors and textures. The carbonation in beer helps cleanse palate between bites making it an excellent choice for this rich appetizer.

4. Protein-Rich Options:

  • Prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks elevate savory notes
  • Smoked salmon rolls add a luxurious touch
  • Roasted chickpeas provide nutty crunch
  • Salami coins intensify meaty flavors

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