I had this dip in a restaurant once and it was such an experience, It’s still memorable to me years later. I hadn’t thought much about recreating it at home until this pandemic hit and I found out my absolute favorite bagel spot was selling their bagel chips! My mind immediately went to – what kind of dip can I make so I have an excuse to buy them!?
If you’re local to the Triangle, you have probably heard of Benchwarmer’s Bagels. Ever since they opened in Transfer Co. Food Hall, they’ve been in magazines and featured everywhere. Whenever I recommend them to a friend, I always feel like it’s necessary to explain that I was never a “bagel person” until I had theirs. They are that good! So of course these bagel chips are amazing too. Way better than any kind of cracker you could buy at the grocery store.
The best part of this dip is how ridiculously easy it is to make. You don’t need any special food processors or mixers and there are minimal dishes involved. Start off by mixing a bar of softened cream cheese with fresh parsley, 1 minced clove of garlic and a small shallot minced.
Spread it out on whatever serving plate you plan on using.
Next, toast a cup of chopped pecans dry in a pan then remove them onto a separate plate and work on the sauce. This sauce reminds me of what you put on top those ham and cheese party rolls that people make. I’m not sure what it is that makes it so addicting but DANG it’s good. Just trust me on this – the combo of butter + brown sugar + Worcestershire + mustard = amazing. One of those things that sounds weird but works.
Mix the toasted pecans into the sauce and then pour it on top of the cream cheese mixture you just plated. I think it’s best served hot right after you pour the pecan mixture on top, but it’s fine to sit out for a bit. In fact, this would work really well at a party because it holds it’s flavor.
See how easy that was? Now go buy some Benchwarmer’s bagel chips so you too have an excuse to make this! Make sure you tag my account on Instagram (@beckeatsworld) if you end up making it, or at least message me, so I can know that someone else validates my opinion that this dip is WEIRD BUT AMAZING.
Sweet & Savory Pecan Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- chives, for garnish (optional)
- 1 package Benchwarmer's Bagel Chips, or other cracker
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, parsley, minced garlic, and minced shallot. Spread out onto a serving plate and set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan, add the raw pecans and dry roast them over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Do not burn.
- Empty the pecans onto a plate and return the skillet to medium heat. Add butter, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until mixture is bubbling and all sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Add the pecans back to the butter and sugar mixture and stir to combine. Pour this mixture over the already plated cream cheese mixture, top with chopped chives, and serve hot with bagel chips or crackers.
