Andy Montoya
Epicure's Extraordinary Cheese Dip is a popular baked cheese dip made with a combination of cheeses and spices. The official Epicure mix is expensive, with the spice mixes costing almost $40, and many people have tried to recreate the recipe at home. The dip can be served with veggies, a sliced baguette, or corn chips, or even added to canned lobster for a fancy New Year's Day treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving suggestions | Veggies, sliced baguette, corn chips |
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What You'll Learn
Serve with veggies
Epicure cheese dip can be served with a variety of vegetables. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
Crudités
Cut up some fresh, crisp vegetables into thin slices or sticks. Good options include carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers, and radishes. Blanching the vegetables in boiling water for a few seconds can take the edge off and make them more tender if you prefer them that way.
Grilled or roasted veggies
You could also serve the dip with grilled or roasted vegetables. Asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, and portobello mushrooms are all great options. Simply brush them with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper before cooking.
Tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes are a great option for dipping. You could also halve or quarter larger tomatoes and serve them on a bed of lettuce or arugula.
Leafy greens
While not traditionally dipped, leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens can be torn into dip-able sizes. Their flavour will be a nice contrast to the rich cheese dip.
Veggie chips
Make your own veggie chips by thinly slicing root vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, or parsnips. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then bake in the oven until crisp. These make a tasty and colourful alternative to regular chips.
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Sliced baguette
To prepare the baguette, start by selecting a fresh loaf from your local bakery. Look for one with a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy texture inside. If you can't find a baguette that's still warm from the oven, that's okay—you can always refresh it by popping it into your oven or toaster for a few minutes.
Once you have your baguette, slice it just before serving to ensure it stays crisp. Cut the baguette on a slight diagonal into pieces about 1/2-inch thick. This will give you a nice, sturdy base for dipping. You don't want the slices to be too thin, or they might break under the weight of the cheese dip.
Arrange the sliced baguette on a platter, giving each slice a little room to breathe. This way, your guests can easily grab a slice without knocking elbows with their neighbour. If you're feeling fancy, you can even tie a piece of baker's twine around the baguette to give it a rustic, charming look. Serve the sliced baguette alongside a generous bowl of warm Epicure cheese dip, and you've got yourself a match made in heaven.
The contrast between the warm, gooey dip and the crisp, toasted bread will be a delight for both your eyes and your taste buds. So go ahead and indulge—just don't forget to save some room for the other delicious sides on offer!
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Corn chips
To enhance the flavour and presentation of the corn chips, consider serving them with a selection of fresh herbs, spices, and condiments on the side. For example, chopped fresh chives, dill, or parsley can add a bright, fresh taste to the chips and dip combination. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chilli powder can also add a kick of heat and extra flavour dimension.
When preparing corn chips as an accompaniment to Epicure cheese dip, it is important to consider the portion size. Corn chips can be quite filling, so it is advisable to offer a moderate amount per person, especially if serving multiple side dishes. You can estimate the quantity by considering the number of guests and allowing for a suitable number of chips for each person.
To ensure the corn chips remain fresh and crispy, prepare them close to the serving time if possible. If needed, you can fry or bake a batch ahead of time and keep them stored in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. By doing so, you can minimise the chances of the chips becoming stale or soggy, ensuring a pleasant texture contrast with the cheese dip.
Additionally, when serving corn chips, it is advisable to provide a small bowl or container for the dip to be placed in. This allows guests to easily access the dip and prevents the chips from becoming soggy if they are dipped in advance. It also adds a visually appealing element to the serving presentation, creating a dedicated space for the dip and corn chips.
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Crackers
For a heartier option, consider a whole grain cracker. These crackers have a nuttier flavour and a chewier texture, which can add depth to the creamy cheese dip. If you want a cracker with a more distinctive flavour, there are many options to choose from. For example, sesame crackers or everything crackers – which are topped with a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion – can add a savoury, aromatic touch to your dip.
You could also try a cracker with a touch of sweetness to contrast the savoury dip. A honey-wheat cracker or a cracker with a touch of cinnamon or other sweet spices can provide an unexpected but delightful flavour combination. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, there are many crackers that will pair well with the epicure cheese dip. Rice crackers, corn crackers, and crackers made from nut flours or seeds can provide a range of textures and flavours while being friendly to those with gluten sensitivities.
Finally, for a more indulgent option, there are many types of crackers that include cheese in the cracker itself. Cheese crackers, cheddar crisps, or Parmesan crisps can provide a double dose of cheesy flavour and are sure to be a hit with cheese lovers. No matter which type of cracker you choose, it's sure to be a delicious pairing with the epicure cheese dip.
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Breadsticks
When selecting breadsticks to serve, opt for a variety that is crisp and sturdy. This will ensure that the breadsticks can withstand the weight of the dip and provide a satisfying texture contrast. You could also consider using a flavoured breadstick, such as a garlic or herb variety, to add an extra layer of flavour to your dish.
To prepare the breadsticks for serving, it is best to lay them out on a platter or plate, ensuring they are easily accessible to your guests. If you want to get creative, you could even form a fanciful design or pattern with the breadsticks to elevate the visual appeal of your dish.
For an extra special touch, you might consider serving the breadsticks warmed. This can be achieved by baking them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Lastly, when serving breadsticks with Epicure cheese dip, consider providing a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil for dipping. This will add a rich, fruity flavour to the breadsticks and can also help to cut through the richness of the cheese dip.
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Frequently asked questions
You can serve veggies, sliced baguette, or corn chips with the dip.
Yes, you can serve veggies or a sliced baguette with the dip.
Yes, you can serve veggies or corn chips with the dip.
Yes, corn chips or veggies can be served with the dip for those allergic to wheat.
