Shallot and Blue Cheese Dip, Caramelized Style

I could make a meal out of this dip.

It’s true! Only slide this dish in front of my face with all the everything-topped sliced baguette in the world (with a side of chilled white wine) and I will kill it in no time.

I actually posted this method back in 2010 accompanied with my horrible, flash-photography because I made it at night! Let me simply tell ya, it was the least appetizing appetizer post ever and I removed it a few years ago. I had entirely forgotten about it until a few weekends ago when Pat and I hosted a dinner party for 3 of our longtime couple friends. For some reason this caramelized shallot and blue cheese dip simply popped into my head and I picked up the particularly few ingredients it calls for and set out to make it again.

This is/was my go-to dip for gatherings. One time we were hanging with our close friends, Bob and Nichole, and I had all the ingredients for this dip. Surprise surprise. So Nichole and I made it while the guys hung out watching TV or something. When they came up, it was gone. No joke. In fact, Pat and Bob reminded us about “that one time we made dip and never told them until it was gone”. Oops.

After I had the first bite, I immediately remembered why A regular here this dip.

It’s so savory (and addictive) with the caramelized shallots and the distinct funky deliciousness that you get from blue cheese. Pat’s not even the biggest of blue cheese fans and he LOVES this dip. Believe me it’s memorable.

I’m making this again for New Years Eve and every “Football Sunday” thereafter.

TO Make The Caramelized Shallot and Blue Cheese Dip Set out:

• butter
• olive oil
• shallots – which is about 3 to 4 medium
• sugar
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• mayonnaise
• sour cream
• blue cheese – the wedge kind and NOT the pre-crumbled kind

Heat the butter and olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.

Next add in 1-1/2 cups shallots. These seems like a lot but they will cook down immensely.

Stir and coat, sprinkling with a pinch of sugar and kosher salt.

Cook until the shallots turn a deep golden brown in color.

Like this! Stir often and adjust the heat to prevent the shallots from burning. Remove off the heat to cool for a bit.

Next, in a medium bowl, whisk 3/4 cup of both mayonnaise and sour cream together.

Add in 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese and all of the shallots.

I use a smoky blue cheese I picked up from Kroger, but use what you love!

Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir, cover and chill for 2 hours minimum but overnight is dependable! This is when the flavors meld and the dip develops to its full potential.

When it’s simply about time to serve is when I make the bread. I buy the take-and-bake mini French baguettes (about 12 ounces total) I know-I know, not from the pantry but trust me… they’re lifesaver when hosting a dinner party. Trust.

I mix 1 tablespoon of my everything seasoning with a teaspoon of my Italian seasoning. Then I brush the loaves with a little melted butter and sprinkle a combination of everything seasoning and italian seasoning over top and bake for 8-10 minutes. Or however long the instructions say to on the package then slice with a bread knife while still warm.

Spoon the dip into a bowl and serve next to the sliced freshly baked bread. If you want to make it look all fancy, caramelize more slices of shallot ( about one small shallot) right before serving and sprinkle it along with some extra crumbled blue cheese over top.

Spread this caramelized shallot and blue cheese dip on slices of warm toasty baguette and serve with a glass of chilled white (or red) wine and prepare to fall in love.

Enjoy! And if you give this Caramelized Shallot and Blue Cheese Dip recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!