Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded gouda or gruyère (optional but amazing)
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½ cup sour cream
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1 tbsp butter
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1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
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4–6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1–2 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
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1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Optional: a splash of apple cider or cider vinegar for brightness
For serving:
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Pretzel bites
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Sliced apples
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Toasted baguette
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Crackers
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Pita chips
Instructions
1. Sauté apple & onion
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In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add diced apple, onion, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar/maple.
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Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Build the creamy base
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Lower heat to medium-low.
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Add cream cheese and sour cream; stir until smooth and melted.
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Add cheddar and gouda; stir until fully melted.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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If the dip is too thick, add a splash of apple cider.
3. Add bacon
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Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, saving a little for topping.
4. Bake (optional but recommended)
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Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish or leave it in the skillet.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until bubbling and golden at the edges.
5. Serve
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Top with remaining bacon, extra thyme, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
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Serve hot with pretzels, apples, bread, or crackers.
Flavor Notes
🍎 Comforting & autumnal — apple + cinnamon + cheddar
🥓 Savory — bacon + onion + herbs
🧀 Creamy — melty cheeses + cream cheese
