If you love bold, savory flavors, then sun dried bacon pesto cheese is a combination you need to try. This mouthwatering blend brings together the smoky crunch of bacon, the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the fresh herbal punch of pesto, and the creamy richness of melted cheese. Whether you’re making a grilled cheese sandwich, a pasta dish, or a savory biscuit, this flavor-packed mix elevates any meal with its irresistible taste and texture.
The beauty of sun-dried bacon pesto cheese lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. You can use it as a spread, a filling, or a topping for countless dishes. It’s perfect for quick lunches, cozy dinners, or even appetizers for your next gathering. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make this delicious combination, creative ways to use it, and tips to get the best results every time.
What Is Sun-Dried Bacon Pesto Cheese?
This is a flavorful mixture that combines several key ingredients:
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and salty, bacon adds a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a concentrated, slightly sweet and tangy tomato flavor that complements the richness of bacon.
- Pesto: A fresh, herbaceous sauce usually made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto adds brightness and complexity.
- Cheese: Melty cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses provide creaminess and balance the savory elements.
Together, these ingredients create a harmonious flavor profile that’s savory, tangy, fresh, and rich. This combination can be used in sandwiches, pasta, dips, or even baked into biscuits or crostinis.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a basic sun-dried bacon pesto cheese mixture, gather the following:
- 4-6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated dry-packed), chopped
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian blend)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon slices in a skillet or oven until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
Step 2: Prepare Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then chop finely. Oil-packed tomatoes can be chopped directly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and shredded cheese. For a creamier texture, stir in cream cheese or ricotta.
Step 4: Use or Store
Use this mixture immediately as a spread or filling, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Delicious Ways to Use Sun-Dried Bacon Pesto Cheese
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Spread pesto on bread slices, layer with sun-dried bacon pesto cheese mixture, and grill until golden and melty. This sandwich combines smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors perfectly.
2. Pasta Sauce
Stir the mixture into warm cooked pasta with a splash of pasta water or cream for a quick, flavorful sauce.
3. Savory Biscuits or Scones
Fold the mixture into biscuit or scone dough before baking for cheesy, flavorful bites with bursts of bacon and sun-dried tomato.
4. Crostini or Appetizer Toasts
Spread on toasted baguette slices and broil briefly for a delicious appetizer.
5. Stuffed Chicken or Vegetables
Use as a stuffing for chicken breasts or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or peppers for a gourmet touch.
Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Bacon Pesto
- Use high-quality bacon for the best smoky flavor.
- Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer taste, or rehydrate dry-packed tomatoes well.
- Freshly made pesto adds brightness, but store-bought works great too.
- Mix in a little cream cheese to make the blend extra creamy and spreadable.
- Experiment with different cheeses—mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for sharpness, or cheddar for boldness.
Nutritional Benefits
This combination offers protein from bacon and cheese, healthy fats from pesto and cheese, and antioxidants from sun-dried tomatoes and basil. While it’s rich and indulgent, using it as a flavorful addition rather than the main ingredient helps keep meals balanced.
FAQs
1. Can I make sun-dried bacon pesto cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before using.
2. What cheese works best in this mixture?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a sharp bite. A blend of Italian cheeses or sharp cheddar also works well depending on your taste.
3. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner option and still adds a smoky flavor, though it’s less fatty and crispy than pork bacon.
4. Is this mixture suitable as a dip?
Yes, you can warm it slightly and serve with crackers or bread as a savory dip.
5. How spicy is pesto in this recipe?
Traditional basil pesto is mild and herbaceous, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pesto for a kick.
Creative Variations to Try
- Add chopped olives or capers for a briny twist.
- Mix in roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
- Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto for a tomato-forward taste.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra aroma.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Related Recipes:
- Flavorful Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Conclusion
Sun-dried bacon pesto cheese is a simple yet extraordinary blend that brings bold, savory flavors to any dish. Whether you’re making a grilled cheese sandwich, a pasta sauce, or a savory biscuit, this mixture adds a delicious punch that’s sure to impress. With easy preparation and endless uses, it’s a versatile ingredient to keep in your kitchen arsenal. Try it today and elevate your meals with the perfect harmony of smoky bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh pesto, and melty cheese!
Sun Dried Bacon Pesto Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread sourdough or ciabatta recommended
- ½ cup fresh basil pesto
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes and crumble cooked bacon; set aside.
- Spread basil pesto on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled bacon on two slices.
- Top with remaining slices, pesto side down.
- Heat skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter.
- Grill sandwich until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully and adding remaining butter.
- Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use good quality bread for best flavor and texture.
- Grill on medium heat to melt cheese perfectly without burning bread.
- This sandwich reheats well in the oven to retain crispness.
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