Blue Cheese Bacon Dip

7 bacon slices, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup half-and-half
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted

Cook chopped bacon in skillet over medium high heat 10 minutes or until crisp. Drain bacon. Set aside.

Add minced garlic to skillet and saute for 1 minute.

Beat cream cheese at medium speed with mixer until smooth. Add half-and-half, beating until combined. Stir in bacon, garlic, blue cheese and chives. Spoon mixture evenly into 4 individual 1-cup baking dishes.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle evenly with chopped walnuts.

Serve with flatbread or assorted crackers.

Makes 12 to 15 appetizer servings.