Blt Cheese Cups Food

BLT-RIFIC MAC 'N CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop and set aside.
• In a large pot, prepare pasta al dente (firm) according to the instructions on the package. Drain well, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm.
• While water comes to a boil and while pasta cooks, cut squash into pieces similar to the size of penne, about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
• Spray a large skillet (with a lid) with nonstick spray, and bring to medium heat on the stove. Add squash, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, occasionally uncovering to stir.
• Add spinach and tomato to the skillet, re-cover, and continue to cook for about 1 minute. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach has wilted, tomatoes are soft, and excess liquid has cooked off, about 3 minutes. If needed, drain any excess liquid. Set aside.
• Place cheese wedges in a microwave-safe bowl and stir to break them up. Add sour cream and cheese slices, breaking cheese slices into pieces as you add them. Microwave for 30 seconds, and then stir thoroughly. Microwave for another 30 seconds, or until cheeses have fully melted. Mix until smooth.
• Add cheese mixture and cooked veggies to the pasta. Toss to coat. Top with bacon. If needed, bring to desired temperature on the stove. If you like, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve it up!

BLT BITES

Steps:

• Cut a thin slice off each tomato top. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert the tomatoes on a paper towel to drain. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Spoon into tomatoes. Refrigerate for several hours.

BLT CHEESE CUPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange 3 tablespoons Cheddar cheese in a 4-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat to make 1 more circle.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Turn a muffin tip upside-down. Invert the parchment paper over the muffin tin and line one cheese circle up with one muffin cup. Slowly peel the parchment back from the cheese circle, using an offset spatula or small knife to release the cheese from the paper. Form the cheese around the muffin cup and hold it for 5 seconds to help mold into a cup shape. Repeat the process with the remaining cheese circle.
• Make 2 more cheese cups with remaining cheese by following the same process.
• Toss lettuce, tomato, and bacon together in a small bowl to combine; divide mixture evenly among cheese cups.
• Stir mayonnaise and chives together in a small bowl and divide evenly between cheese cups. Season with salt and pepper.

BLT BITES APPETIZER

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Let cool for 5 minutes; crumble into a bowl.
• Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert tomatoes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• Combine bacon, mayonnaise, green onions, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a small bowl. Mix well.
• Spoon bacon mixture evenly into tomatoes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

SAVORY BLT CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. , In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and cream until smooth. Beat in the bacon, tomatoes, Gruyere cheese, onions and pepper. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of boiling water to larger pan. , Bake 45-55 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath; remove foil. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes; loosen edges from pan with a knife. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight., Remove rim from pan. Serve cheesecake with toppings and crackers if desired.