Butternut Squash and Bacon Dip

Butternut Squash and Bacon Dip

(8-12 servings)

Ingredients:

4 slices Bacon, finely chopped

2 cups Butternut Squash, grated and finely chopped

3 medium Green Onions, finely chopped

3 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced

2 tbsp. Unsalted Butter

2 tbsp. All Purpose Flour

¾ cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

¾ cup Swiss Cheese, grated (your choice)

2 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

to taste Salt and Black Pepper

Directions:

In a medium sized skillet, fry bacon over medium heat until just crispy.  Remove bacon to a 2-quart baking dish using a slotted spoon.  Add squash to skillet and cook until tender (5-6 minutes).  Then add green onion and garlic continuing to cook another minute.  Scrape everything into the baking dish.  Again in the skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour cooking for a minute or two.  Add cream and cayenne pepper as you continue whisking until smooth.  Reduce heat and simmer about 4 minutes until thickened.  Remove from the heat and add half of the cheese and all the lemon juice.  Stir until well combined and cheese melted.  Scrape all of this into the baking dish.  Mix everything in the baking dish together and top with remaining cheese.  Place under the broiler until hot and bubbly (5-10 minutes).  Serve at once with special crackers, pita chips, tortillas and/or fresh cut vegetables.

Note:               The Swiss cheese can be whatever you like best and fits the budget.  Gruyere would be nice.

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