Dairy-Free Bacon Date Whipped Cream Cheese Dip
A rich and creamy dip that combines sweet Medjool dates with crispy bacon and fresh herbs. The dairy-free cream cheese and ricotta base creates a smooth, whippable texture while roasted dates caramelize with honey and balsamic vinegar. Fresh rosemary and thyme add aromatic depth to this crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for entertaining or game day spreads.
Ingredients
- 5 medjool dates, pitted & chopped
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tsp honey, divided
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, divided
- ¾ cup dairy-free cream cheeseregular cream cheese1:1note:traditional version
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- ½ cup dairy-free ricottaregular ricotta1:1note:traditional version
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Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper
- 2
Toss dates and bacon with honey, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and thyme
- 3
Bake until bacon is crispy, watching closely as cook time varies by bacon thickness
- 4
Whip dairy-free cream cheese and ricotta until fully combined
- 5
Top whipped mixture with cooked bacon and dates
- 6
Drizzle with remaining honey and garnish with fresh thyme
Tips
Cook time varies by bacon thickness, so monitor closely to prevent burning
Use a food processor for ultra-smooth whipped texture or bowl for rustic consistency
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
Can prepare bacon-date mixture up to 1 day ahead, reheat before serving
Serve fresh with crackers, vegetables, or toasted bread
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake bacon as it will become too hard and bitter
Substitutions
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FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the bacon-date mixture up to a day ahead and reheat before topping the whipped cream cheese mixture.
What crackers work best with this dip?
Water crackers, pita chips, or artisanal seed crackers complement the flavors without overwhelming the delicate herbs.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the texture is best within the first day.