Caramelized Onion, Gruyere and Bacon Spread (Cooking Light Approved!)

I found this recipe for caramelized onion, gruyere and bacon spread on Cooking Light, and my mind was blown....a dip that has bacon and gruyere, and it's CL approved?!? 

I made this dip a few weekends ago when Mom was in town. We had an early brunch, and I was showing Mom how to sous vide a beef tenderloin, so dinner wouldn't be ready until late that evening. We were spending the afternoon watching the Giants game, which of course requires a snack. My god, this is the perfect spread: it is a decadent and filling, virtually guilt free, and it cooks up beautifully. It is an excellent dish to make and take to a party or holiday dinner, and pairs very nicely with wine. I don't think this dish needs much selling, so without further ado...

Caramelized Onion, Gruyere and Bacon Spread

Recipe slightly adapted from Cooking Light
Yield: 6 servings 
Nutrition: 103 calories; 4.1 grams of fat; 11.6 grams of carbohydrates; 6 grams of sugar; 4.5 grams of protein

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 3 1/2 cups chopped sweet yellow onion
• 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded and divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
• 1/3 cup fat free mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled 
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (this is my variation from the original recipe. I how the brown sugar adds crispiness and depth to onions when they're caramelized)

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 425°. 

2. Cook bacon in skillet. 

Who doesn't love the sight and smell of bacon cooking?!?

3. Chop/shred all ingredients.

Yes, the extra block of gruyere became the "snacking cheese"

4. Pour out all bacon grease; then add onion and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the pan that still has a light coat of the bacon grease. Sauté  for 5 minutes over high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low; cook 20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.

Aren't they pretty!

5. Reserve 2 tablespoons cheese and half of the chives. Combine remaining cheese, caramelized onion, 1 tablespoon chives, and the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. 

6. Transfer the mixture to three 8oz ramekins (or a 1-quart glass or ceramic baking dish) coated lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with reserved 2 tablespoons cheese and chives. Bake at 425° for 20 minutes, until browned and bubbly. 

Serve with a freshly toasted french baguette and a chilled bottle of a dry South African Chenin blanc or a champagne cocktail with pomegranate or cranberries for a festive touch. And certainly don't feel guilty if you eat two servings (it is only a bit over 200 calories!).

xoxo 

*K