1Cook the bacon in a large pot or skillet over medium/high heat until crispy.
2Cook the bacon in a large pot or skillet over medium/high heat until crispy.
3Cook the bacon in a large pot or skillet over medium/high heat until crispy.
4Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving 1/4 cup of the bacon grease in the pan.
5Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving 1/4 cup of the bacon grease in the pan.
6Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving 1/4 cup of the bacon grease in the pan.
7Add the sliced onions and shallots to the pan with a pinch of salt and a splash of water.
8Add the sliced onions and shallots to the pan with a pinch of salt and a splash of water.
9Add the sliced onions and shallots to the pan with a pinch of salt and a splash of water.
10Cook over medium/high heat.
11Cook over medium/high heat.
12Cook over medium/high heat.
13Continue adding splashes of water throughout the cooking process to prevent the onions from burning.
14Continue adding splashes of water throughout the cooking process to prevent the onions from burning.
15Continue adding splashes of water throughout the cooking process to prevent the onions from burning.
16Stir frequently until the onions and shallots are caramelized (about 40-50 minutes).
17Stir frequently until the onions and shallots are caramelized (about 40-50 minutes).
18Stir frequently until the onions and shallots are caramelized (about 40-50 minutes).
19While the onions are caramelizing, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, shredded cheddar, 4 oz shredded mozzarella, Worcestershire sauce, salt, freshly cracked pepper, and the crispy bacon (save some bacon for topping).
20While the onions are caramelizing, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, shredded cheddar, 4 oz shredded mozzarella, Worcestershire sauce, salt, freshly cracked pepper, and the crispy bacon (save some bacon for topping).
21While the onions are caramelizing, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, shredded cheddar, 4 oz shredded mozzarella, Worcestershire sauce, salt, freshly cracked pepper, and the crispy bacon (save some bacon for topping).
22Mix and set aside.
23Mix and set aside.
24Mix and set aside.
25In the last 2–3 minutes of caramelizing, add the garlic, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
26In the last 2–3 minutes of caramelizing, add the garlic, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
27In the last 2–3 minutes of caramelizing, add the garlic, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
28Stir until well combined.
29Stir until well combined.
30Stir until well combined.
31Let the caramelized onions and shallots cool slightly before mixing them into the cheese mixture.
32Let the caramelized onions and shallots cool slightly before mixing them into the cheese mixture.
33Let the caramelized onions and shallots cool slightly before mixing them into the cheese mixture.
34Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, and sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon.
35Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, and sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon.
36Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, and sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon.
37Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
38Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
39Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
40Top with crispy fried onions and finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
41Top with crispy fried onions and finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
42Top with crispy fried onions and finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
43Serve with Firehook crackers and enjoy!
44Serve with Firehook crackers and enjoy!
45Serve with Firehook crackers and enjoy!
Ingredients
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
2 yellow onions, sliced
2 yellow onions, sliced
2 yellow onions, sliced
2 shallots, sliced
2 shallots, sliced
2 shallots, sliced
1 pinch salt
1 pinch salt
1 pinch salt
Water
Water
Water
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream, room temp
1 cup sour cream, room temp
1 cup sour cream, room temp
0.5 cup mayo, room temp
0.5 cup mayo, room temp
0.5 cup mayo, room temp
4 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
4 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
4 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
4 oz mozzarella, shredded
4 oz mozzarella, shredded
4 oz mozzarella, shredded
2 oz mozzarella, shredded (to top)
2 oz mozzarella, shredded (to top)
2 oz mozzarella, shredded (to top)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp brown sugar
Crispy fried onions
Crispy fried onions
Crispy fried onions
Equipment
large pot or skilletbaking dishbroiler
Tips
Continue adding splashes of water throughout the cooking process to prevent the onions from burning.
Let the caramelized onions and shallots cool slightly before mixing them into the cheese mixture.