Quick Take: This Amazing Asiago Kale Dip with Bacon is a creamy, flavorful alternative to the more familiar spinach and artichoke dip. Fontina and Asiago pair perfectly with kale and smoky bacon for a full-flavored dip that's different from any other, and it's ready to serve in under an hour. Cooking the onions, garlic, and kale right in the bacon grease adds incredible flavor and makes for easier cleanup.
Serve this warm dip with crispy pita chips, fresh pita bread, or Naan, and you've got a go-to appetizer for dinner parties and potlucks. If you're looking for more of a side dish, try my Brussels Sprout Casserole.
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Ingredients
This Asiago Kale Dip with Bacon combines three delicious cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh kale to create an incredibly rich and flavorful appetizer. A little white wine, garlic, and red wine vinegar bring everything together, giving this creamy dip a wonderful balance of flavors.
Fresh Kale: Adds a slightly earthy flavor and a nice texture that holds up well in this warm, cheesy dip. Be sure to remove the tough stems before chopping.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty flavor and a little crunch. I prefer thick-cut bacon because it gives the dip a heartier texture.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory flavor. White onion will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh Garlic: Brings that wonderful garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheeses and bacon. Freshly minced garlic is my preference for this recipe.
Pinot Grigio: A dry white wine that adds a little acidity and depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Sauvignon Blanc is another good option.
Red Wine Vinegar: Helps balance the richness of the cheeses and mayonnaise with a slightly tangy finish.
Asiago Cheese: The star of the show! Asiago has a wonderfully nutty, slightly sharp flavor that works beautifully in creamy, baked appetizers. If you’ve ever wondered what you can make with Asiago cheese, this warm kale dip is a fantastic place to start. It’s especially delicious when combined with other melting cheeses, like Fontina.
Fontina Cheese: Adds a smooth, buttery flavor and melts beautifully, helping create that creamy, cheesy texture we’re looking for.
Cream Cheese: Gives the dip its rich, creamy base and helps hold everything together. I recommend using softened, full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and a little tang while helping keep the dip smooth and rich.
Crushed Red Pepper: Brings a subtle kick of heat that balances the rich cheeses. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your dip.
Black Pepper: Adds a little warmth and rounds out the other flavors.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F.
Next, cook the bacon in a Cast Iron Skillet over medium-high heat until it gets nice and crispy. Once the bacon is done cooking, transfer the slices to a paper towel-lined plate and let them cool.
When the bacon has cooled, crumble or slice it and set it aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the diced Onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes.
Now, working in batches, add the kale and cook it down until the whole 1 lb bag has been added.
Add the garlic and pour the wine and vinegar, stirring to combine thoroughly. Simmer the mixture for about 4-5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Incorporate the remaining ingredients by stirring them in until everything is well combined.
Lastly, bake the Asiago Kale Dip for 30 minutes, then set the oven to broil for about 1 - 1 ½ minutes.
Remove the skillet, add the crumbled bacon on top, and serve with Pita Chips, Pita Bread, or Naan.
Expert Tips
- Do not discard the bacon grease. Instead, sauté the onions, garlic, and kale in the same pan. This will add incredible flavor to your dip. Plus, it makes for easier cleanup.
- Keep an eye on the dip during the broiling process. This step is to add color to the top of the dish and make the bacon extra crispy. But you certainly don't want to burn the top of this dish.
What to Serve with Asiago Kale Dip with Bacon
This creamy Asiago Kale Dip with Bacon is packed with cheesy, smoky flavor, so you’ll want something that can hold up to every delicious scoop! I personally love serving it warm with crispy pita chips, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this cheesy appetizer. Whether you’re putting together a game-day spread, hosting a party, or just looking for a snack, here are some of my favorite options.
- Pita Chips: My personal favorite! They’re sturdy, crunchy, and perfect for scooping up all that creamy Asiago cheese, tender kale, and crispy bacon.
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Lightly brush sliced baguette with olive oil and toast until golden brown. The crispy edges and soft centers are fantastic with this warm, cheesy dip.
- Naan Bread: Warm, soft naan is another excellent option, especially if you prefer something a little more substantial than chips.
- Fresh Vegetables: Broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, carrots, and celery add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, creamy dip.
- Pretzel Crisps: If you enjoy a little extra saltiness with your cheesy appetizers, pretzel crisps are a great choice.
- Crackers: Buttery crackers or sturdy wheat crackers are easy options for parties and make serving a breeze.
And I tell you what, if you’re serving this at a party, I’d recommend putting out a combination of pita chips, toasted bread, and fresh vegetables. That way, everyone has a little something different to enjoy with this delicious Asiago Kale Dip!
Recipe FAQs
No, Asiago has a more nutty and bitter flavor than Parmesan. Plus, when being melted, it has a more silky smooth texture than stringy.
Asiago cheese is similar to Parmesan but has a more nutty, buttery, and bitter flavor.
Kale and Spinach are very different in flavor and texture. Kale has a more bitter flavor and, when cooked, isn't quite as soft and silky as spinach. However, in a dip, for example, this can create a very pleasing mouth feel and make the recipe stand out on its own.
Fontina cheese has more of an earthy and nutty flavor and is a creamy, semi-soft cheese, while Mozzarella is soft with a semi-sweet flavor. Both complement each other well in certain recipes.
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Asiago Kale Dip with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh Kale - stemmed
- 6 Strips Thick Cut Bacon
- 1 Yellow Onion - diced
- 1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
- ¼ Cup Pinot Grigio
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 5 Oz Asiago Cheese - shredded
- 5 Oz Fontina Cheese - shredded
- 8 Oz Cream Cheese - cubed
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- ½ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
- ½ tsp. Black Pepper
- Pita Chips for Serving
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the bacon in a Cast Iron Skillet over medium-high heat until it gets nice and crispy. Once the bacon is done cooking, transfer the slices to a paper towel-lined plate and let them cool.
- When the bacon has cooled, crumble or slice it and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the diced Onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes.
- Now, working in batches, add the kale and cook it down until the whole 1 lb bag has been added.
- Add the garlic and pour the wine and vinegar, stirring to combine thoroughly. Simmer the mixture for about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and incorporate the remaining ingredients to combine thoroughly.
- Bake the Asiago Kale Dip for 30 minutes, then set the oven to broil for about 1 - 1 ½ minutes.
- Top with crumbled bacon and serve with Pita Chips, Pita Bread, or Naan.
Notes
- Do not discard the bacon grease. Instead, sauté the onions, garlic, and kale in the same pan. This will add incredible flavor to your dip. Plus, it makes for easier clean up.
- Keep an eye on the dip during the broiling process. This step is to add color to the top of the dish and make the bacon extra crispy. But you certainly don't want to burn the top of this dish.
