Hello Spring Collab + Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Dip

Smoked cheddar jalapeño bacon cheese dip is right on time for National Chips and Dip Day on March 23rd.  Spring is also on the rise and quickly approaching. For me, that means binge watching March Madness, patiently waiting for the opening day of a new season of baseball, and finding more excuses to get out and spend time with friends. 

 

Food is a major part of all of these events. While sitting on my couch watching this year’s Cinderella team make that buzzer beater shot to win the game, I am going to want good food and a tasty adult beverage at my fingertips. 

 

The same goes for Opening Day and baseball games. NO ONE tailgates like Kansas City.  We have it down to a science and our food spreads are always legit. If you are searching for a dish that isn’t cliche and will totally impress all of your friends, look no further. Oh, and go ROYALS! 

 

 

 

Who says eating healthy has to be a death sentence? There are so many ways to enjoy chips and dip and still keep that waistline in tact. For a cheesy dip like this one, small adjustments go a long way. Whenever I want to lighten-up cheese and other dairy ingredients I go for reduced-fat options. I also substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt. This not only lowers the calorie and fat count, it boosts the protein. Greek yogurt is great for cooking. It also makes a great substitute for buttermilk and whipping cream.  

Now onto BACON! Bacon gets such a bad rap, but it’s sooooo delicious! Traditional bacon is cured in a mixture of salt, water, and sodium nitrates to preserve. Uncured bacon uses natural nitrates found in celery powder or sea salt.  My preference is to purchase nitrate-free. Nitrates have been linked to cancers in many studies. Trader Joe’s has an inexpensive option.  The lack of nitrates does not take away the fats found in bacon. So there is a judgment call to be made. I prefer uncured bacon to turkey bacon because I enjoy the taste and a serving of bacon only has an additional gram of fat than turkey bacon. For me, the trade-off is not worth it.