Warm Kale-and-Asiago Dip

4 Reviews
ADD YOUR REVIEW
Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas 
Hands-on Time
35 Mins
Total Time
1 Hour 5 Mins
Yield
Makes about 3 1/2 cups
By Marian Cooper Cairns
December 2013
RECIPE BY Southern Living

Bacon and trendy kale update the hot spinach dip.

Ingredients

  • 5 bacon slices, chopped
  • 1 pound fresh kale, stemmed and finely chopped (about 1 bunch)
  • 1/2 medium-size sweet onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 (8-oz.) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. (4 1/2 oz.) shredded Asiago cheese
  • 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. (4 1/2 oz.) shredded fontina or Swiss cheese
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Assorted crackers and crudités

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring often, 6 to 7 minutes or until crisp; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 Tbsp. drippings in Dutch oven. Sauté kale, onion, and garlic in hot drippings 7 to 8 minutes or until onion is tender. Add wine, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until particles loosen from bottom of Dutch oven.

Step 2

Stir together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in Asiago cheese, next 4 ingredients, and kale mixture. Spoon into a lightly greased 1- to 1 1/2-qt. baking dish.

Step 3

Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until center is hot and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes; top with bacon. Serve with crackers and crudités.

Chef's Notes

Make Ahead: Prep recipe through Step 2. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Let stand at room temp 30 minutes, and then bake.

You May Like

Advertisement

Build-a-Meal

Find recipes with ingredients that you have on hand.

+ +

Read More

Advertisement

Ratings & Reviews

esmith911's Review

Horsegirl
December 20, 2013
I made this for a football party and it was a nice update to traditional spinach dip. The kale is hearty and the flavors are complex and work together well. I especially liked the sharpness of the asiago cheese, and everyone got excited about the bacon- a nice touch! It did reheat well for leftovers the next day. I made as written and it was delicious. I think it would also be good with some pimento added, especially for a festive red-and-green look during the holidays.

Horsegirl's Review

Sharonbowling
December 01, 2013
I recently made this for an appetizer on Thanksgiving. It was voted as a "keeper" by everyone who tried it and it reheats very well (microwaved) for extended enjoyment. I loved the flavors of the asiago and kale - a great new spin.

Award winner!

Deneen
November 20, 2016
I made this for an annual appetizer party/competition in my neighborhood. This won first place from about 20 worthy entries. Prepared as written except I stirred the bacon in before baking. Served with lightly-toasted baguette slices. Very yummy!

Sharonbowling's Review

esmith911
December 22, 2013
I made this for a Christmas party- a hit!