Swiss and Bacon Dip

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

I love this as a dip, but also love to make little appetizers by mixing the ingredients and filling mini fillo dough cups with it - then bake for 10-12 minutes. (Kim made it this way at her Christmas party.)

1. 8 slices center cut bacon,chopped
2. 8 ounces softened cream cheese
3. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
4. 2 rounded teaspoons prepared Dijon style mustard
5. 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, available on dairy aisle
6. 3 scallions
7. chopped 1/2 cup smoked almonds, coarsely chopped
8. Baby carrots and a selection of spiced flat breads, cocktail sized pumpernickel or rye breads, or sliced whole grain baguettes, for dipping

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Brown bacon in nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Drain crisp bacon bits on paper towels.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon, Swiss and scallions with cooked bacon. Transfer to a shallow small casserole or baking dish and bake until golden and bubbly at edges, 15 to 18 minutes.
4. Top with chopped smoked almonds.
5. Place dip on a platter and surround warm casserole with breads and carrots for dipping.