Creamy Sauerkraut Spread with Bacon, Garlic and Shallots
Ingredients
- 7 slices cooked bacon - reserve 3 slices for garnish
- 1/4 cup shallots - finely chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic - finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sauerkraut - drained & finely chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese - softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley - finely chopped, + more for garnish
Instructions
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Cook bacon in a fry pan over medium heat just until it starts to crisp. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel. When cool enough to handle, finely chop 4 strips of bacon to mix into the spread. Roughly chop the other 3 strips for garnish, and set aside.
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Pour excess bacon drippings from pan (strain and reserve for another use). Sauté shallots and garlic in the residual drippings for a minute or two – just until they start to become fragrant, tender and translucent.
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In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for several hours, or up to two days, to allow flavors to marry.
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To Serve: Place spread in a serving bowl, and garnish with reserved chopped bacon and fresh parsley. Serve as a dip with crackers, veggies, meatballs and wings, or spread it on sandwiches, sliders and burgers.
Recipe Notes
* For the best flavor, use freshly cooked bacon rather than packaged bits or crumbles!
* If preparing this recipe a day or two before serving, cover and refrigerate the roughly chopped bacon and fresh parsley (for garnish) separately. Top the spread with bacon and parsley just before serving.
* This sauerkraut spread is delicious right after combining the ingredients, but the flavors definitely become richer with time.
* Recipe adapted from Foodista.