Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer

Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer Recipe - A Delicious Dish from Canada

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

This Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for parties or gatherings. The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory Canadian bacon, and tangy pesto and pizza sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that will impress your guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional layered dip recipes, incorporating Canadian bacon for a unique and tasty flavor. Layered dips have been a popular party food for decades, with variations including Mexican seven-layer dip and Mediterranean layered dip.

Ingredients

1 package (8 oz or 227 g) of softened cream cheese
1 tbsp of refrigerated pesto sauce
0.5 cup of pizza sauce
1.5 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce
0.5 cup of sliced and chopped canadian bacon
0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine cream cheese and pesto. Spread the mixture onto a serving platter to a thickness of about 0.25 inches. Top with pizza sauce, lettuce, Canadian Bacon, and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted pita bread wedges for dipping.

Variations

Substitute the Canadian bacon with cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham.
Add a layer of diced tomatoes, black olives, or jalapenos for extra flavor and color.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the pesto to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Use a serving platter with raised edges to prevent the toppings from spilling over the sides.

- Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding diced tomatoes, olives, or jalapenos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted pita bread wedges for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Layer the ingredients in the order specified to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought pesto sauce or make your own with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil.

- Substitute the pizza sauce with marinara sauce or salsa for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cream cheese and pesto mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the appetizer.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the appetizer with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this appetizer with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this appetizer contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this appetizer contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This appetizer is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese and cheese) and wheat (tortilla chips, crackers, or pita bread) allergens.

Summary

This appetizer is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer is a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a creamy base, savory Canadian bacon, and tangy toppings, this appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer. It was a beautiful sunny day in the early spring, and I had just arrived at my friend Margaret's house for our weekly recipe exchange. Margaret was known for her delicious and creative dishes, and I always looked forward to learning something new from her.

As I entered her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering soup. Margaret was bustling around the stove, her apron tied around her waist and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Welcome, my dear! I have a special treat for you today," she exclaimed, gesturing towards a stack of recipe cards on the counter. "I recently discovered this recipe for a Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer, and I think you're going to love it."

I eagerly picked up the card and read through the ingredients and instructions. The dish called for layers of creamy cheese, savory Canadian bacon, and tangy mustard, all baked to golden perfection. It sounded like a delightful and indulgent treat, perfect for a special occasion or a leisurely afternoon with friends.

Margaret explained that she had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had spent some time living in Canada. She had adapted it over the years, adding her own twist with fresh herbs and spices. As she demonstrated the preparation, I watched in awe as she expertly layered the ingredients in a baking dish, creating a beautiful mosaic of flavors and textures.

After a brief stint in the oven, the appetizer emerged golden and bubbling, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. Margaret sliced into it, revealing the layers of gooey cheese and smoky bacon, perfectly melded together in a harmonious union of flavors.

I couldn't wait to taste it, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a culinary paradise. The creamy cheese melted on my tongue, the salty bacon added a rich depth of flavor, and the tangy mustard cut through the richness, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on my palate.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but marvel at the magic of cooking. How a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so extraordinary, so much more than the sum of its parts. It was a reminder of the joy and creativity that can be found in the kitchen, a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and nourish the soul.

From that day on, the Layered Canadian Bacon Appetizer became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I shared it with friends and family, bringing a taste of Margaret's kitchen into their homes. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to her and to all the other cooks who had shared their recipes with me over the years.

And so, as I sit here now in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of home-cooked meals and the memories of shared meals with loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for the wealth of knowledge and inspiration that I have gathered from all the wonderful cooks in my life. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating a legacy, a story that is passed down from generation to generation, enriching our lives and nourishing our souls. And for that, I am eternally thankful.