Pumpkin Hard Cider Dip

Ingredients 

20-25 Big Apple Bites

5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 clove garlic, minced

1 12-ounce bottle hard cider

1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

4 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)

Instructions

Chopped fresh chives, for topping

Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and garlic; cook, stirring, until incorporated, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cider, pumpkin puree, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the pie spice until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Gradually whisk in the cream cheese and cheddar until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer the dip to a bowl; top with the bacon and chives and arrange bites around the dip.