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Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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I remember the first time I tried a cashew-based dip. I was skeptical. Cheese made from nuts? But one of my friends, bless her adventurous soul, insisted I give it a shot. Let me tell you, it was a revelation! The creaminess, the subtle nutty flavor… it was something else. It sparked a whole new world of dairy-free deliciousness in my kitchen. So, that's the story on how I got the idea to make this recipe for cashew-cheese and bacon ranch dip for you all.
This recipe takes that initial cashew-cheese wonder and cranks it up a notch. Picture this: creamy, dreamy cashew cheese infused with crispy bacon bits and a generous helping of ranch seasoning. Yup, it’s as good as it sounds, maybe even better! It's also surprisingly easy to make, which is always a plus in my book. After all, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when there's dipping to be done? Also, this recipe includes a dairy free/vegan option to allow you to tailor it to your needs.
Required Equipments
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container
Cashew Cheese and Bacon Ranch Dip: Frequently Asked Questions
Cashew Cheese and Bacon Ranch Dip
Dive into this creamy Cashew-Cheese and Bacon Ranch Dip, a savory delight that combines the richness of cashew cheese with the smoky goodness of bacon and the zesty tang of ranch seasoning. It's a crowd-pleaser perfect for parties, game days, or a simple snack!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 120 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Soak the Cashews: Place cashews in a bowl. Cover with boiling water and let them soak for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for achieving a super creamy texture. Trust me, don't skip it! If you are in a rush you can boil the cashews for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy. I like to use a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, or you can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Let it cool slightly, then chop it into small pieces. If you are vegan simply omit this step.
- Drain and Rinse Cashews: Once the cashews are soaked, drain them well and rinse under cold water. This removes any excess starch and ensures a clean flavor.
- Blend the Cashew Cheese Base: Add the drained and rinsed cashews to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the lemon juice, nutritional yeast (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. If you want a bit of a kick add the optional cayenne pepper or hot sauce, then add plant based milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This might take a few minutes, but patience is key! You want a velvety smooth texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cashew cheese base to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the chopped bacon (reserving a bit for garnish), ranch seasoning, chopped fresh chives, and fresh parsley. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more ranch seasoning for extra zing, or a pinch of salt if it needs a bit more oomph.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also helps the dip thicken up a bit, making it even more delightful.
- Serve: Before serving, give the dip a final stir. Transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved chopped bacon, fresh chives, and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning. Serve with your favorite dippers, such as crackers, vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber), pretzels, or tortilla chips. Or, you know, just grab a spoon. I won't judge!
- Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a completely dairy-free/vegan option, omit the bacon and use a vegan bacon alternative. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
- If you don't have fresh chives and parsley, dried herbs can be used. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried chives and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the ranch seasoning. Dried dill, paprika, or even a touch of smoked paprika can add unique flavors.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 20 mg
