In the heart of Disney Springs, the Cookes of Dublin quick service restaurant has been delighting visitors with its authentic Irish fare. Cookes of Dublin was founded by John Cooke and Master Chef Kevin Dundon. Together, they aimed to create an authentic Irish dining experience, combining traditional recipes with contemporary cooking techniques. Cookes of Dublin serves as the quick-service counterpart to Raglan Road, offering guests a taste of Ireland through its menu of classic Irish dishes, snacks, and desserts. As Irish American Heritage Month approaches, what better way to celebrate than by bringing a piece of this cherished heritage into your kitchen with Cookes of Dublin’s signature Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip?
This dip isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey to Ireland through the palate, blending the rich, robust flavors of Dubliner cheese with the smoky essence of bacon. It’s perfect for gatherings, a quiet night in, or anytime you crave a touch of Irish charm.
Ingredient List for Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip
- 7 oz of Dubliner cheese, grated, and left to warm up to room temperature
- 12 oz (1 can) of evaporated milk
- 1/2 lb of thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy, then diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of Kerrygold Butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Irish soda bread or your favorite crusty bread for dipping
Essential Kitchen Gadgets
Just a wee note, lads and lasses: clicking on some links here might fill my pot with a little gold at no extra cost to ye! But fear not, we only recommend products that are tried and true!
1. Small Saucepan:
You’ll need a small saucepan to make this cheese sauce in. The Tasty pot and pan set from Walmart has a perfect little pan for this! This is not a sponsored link, we just genuinely think these pots and pans are a good deal and work well. The only thing to note is that you CANNOT use metal utensils in them (my family has ignored this rule and has chipped some of the ceramic coating).
2. Silicone Whisk
Avoid scratching the bottom of your pans by using a silicone whisk! For this recipe a whisk is essential to make sure that the sauce is smooth and lump free. This silicone whisk set is affordable, and effective, making it a great add to your kitchen.
3. Measuring Spoons
You’ll need a set of measuring spoons so you can add your spices in the correct quantities. If you already have a set, then use those, but if you are in the market for a new set of measuring spoons this Magnetic Measuring Spoon set nests inside of itself so it doesn’t take up a lot of space!
4. Bosch Stand Mixer with Grating Attachment
Okay . . . do you NEED a stand mixer with a grating attachment? Not necessarily, as you could just use a regular cheese grater. However, I do love a tool that can multi task, and I HATE cleaning my cheese grater. The Bosch Stand mixer Grating Attachment makes grating everything from carrots to cheese super simple and the cleanup is even better. If you are in the market for a new stand mixer, then we highly recommend the Bosch Universal Plus Mixer. If you already have a mixer, then we recommend getting a grater attachment (Kitchen Aid attachment, Bosch attachment).
5. A Good Chef’s Knife
You’ll need a good chef’s knife to chop up your bacon! A knife can also be used to cube the cheese if you do not have a cheese grater. These Nutriblade Granitestone knives are the ones we use in our videos! They are very sharp, easy to clean, and easy on the eyes too!
Now that you’ve got your tools, you’ll need some Bread, Cheese, and Bacon!
Instructions for Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip
1. Prep Work
Cook your bacon in a 450 F oven for 20-30 minutes, making sure that it is crispy, but not burnt. Remove the bacon from the pan and let it cool completely. Then, using a chefs knife, chop the bacon into medium sized pieces.
2. Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt your Kerrygold butter. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until it is completely smooth and lump free. Continue cooking over low heat until the roux is a golden brown color.
TOP TIP: Make sure you cook the roux all the way, otherwise your cheese sauce will taste like flour!
3. Create a Sauce
Once the roux is a golden brown, slowly whisk in the evaporated milk, making sure there are no chunks. Then whisk in your onion powder and salt. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Then remove from the heat.
TOP TIP: PLEASE remove from the heat. Overheated cheese will break your emulsion (no more smooth cheese sauce). Sure, it will taste fine, but it will look gross!
Gradually add the grated, room temperature Dubliner cheese, stirring constantly. The key to preventing the cheese sauce from breaking is patience; add the cheese slowly. If you notice that you need a little more heat to finish melting the cheese, add it back to the stove on LOW heat in 30 second bursts.
4. Add the Bacon & Serve
Once the cheese has fully melted into a smooth emulsion, gently mix in your bacon chunks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a dipping bowl, top with fresh parsley and herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for a Perfect Cheese Sauce
Low and Slow: Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from seizing and the sauce from breaking.
Continuous Stirring: Use a whisk to stir the sauce continuously, creating a smooth, emulsified texture.
Room Temp Cheese: Letting the cheese come to room temperature helps it melt faster and more evenly. Adding cold cheese to hot sauce can “break” the sauce. While a “break” won’t ruin the flavor, it won’t make the dip look appetizing!
Use Evaporated Milk: Can you use other types of milk? Yes. BUT, if you want a better chance of keeping the sauce from “breaking”, then using evaporated milk is your best bet.
As we celebrate Irish American Heritage Month, this Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip is more than just a recipe—it’s a tribute to the rich culture and enduring spirit of Ireland. Cookes of Dublin has mastered the art of bringing Irish flavors to life, and now, with this recipe, so can you! Pair it with some Irish Brown Soda Bread (recipe coming soon!) or your favorite easy sourdough recipe.
Whether you’re of Irish descent or simply a lover of good food, this dip is sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.
