Whipped Goat Cheese with Smoky Bacon Jam

Some recipes are so good, they instantly earn a permanent spot in your entertaining rotation—and this one from Southern Living is exactly that. This Whipped Goat Cheese with Smoky Bacon Jam is a delicious blend of creamy, tangy, smoky, and sweet. The whipped goat cheese base is light and luxurious, while the bacon jam—rich with caramelized onions, smoked paprika, and just a hint of sweetness—adds depth and Southern charm in every bite. We recently tried it and couldn’t stop going back for more. Serve it with crackers or crostini, and watch it disappear. Trust us—this one’s a keeper. Thanks to Nelson Mangione for making this amazing dip!

Ingredients

• 8 oz. thick-cut bacon (about 6 slices), chopped
• 1 cup chopped yellow or sweet onion (from 1 small onion)
• 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 8 oz. goat cheese, softened
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Easy Fried Crackers (recipe follows) or crostini

Directions

1. Cook bacon in a 10-inch skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until fat renders and edges start to crisp, about 9 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour drippings into a heatproof measuring cup. Add 2 tablespoons drippings back to skillet; reserve remaining drippings for another use.
2. Add onion and cooked bacon to skillet; cook over medium, stirring often, until onion is golden brown, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir brown sugar, 1 tablespoon water, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire into bacon mixture; cook, stirring constantly, until syrupy and combined, 15 to 30 seconds. Remove from heat; transfer mixture to a heatproof measuring cup or bowl. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Beat goat cheese, cream cheese, oil, and salt with an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
5. Spread goat cheese mixture inside a shallow bowl. Top with Smoky Bacon Jam, and garnish with thyme leaves. Serve with Easy Fried Crackers or crostini.

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