Hot Bacon, Onion, and Swiss Dip

This incredibly delicious baked cheese sauce is one of test kitchen Chef Karen Rankin's favorite dishes to serve at parties and in living rooms. This is the perfect cheesy appetizer with a sticky consistency. According to Rankin, the combination of Swiss cheese, savory bacon and sweet caramelized onions is simply divine. Cream cheese and mayonnaise add the necessary creaminess, while green onions and fresh thyme add a savory flavor, and the finishing touch-crispy onions on top gives a pleasant crunch. Serve with pretzels or other sauces of your choice and plan to pass on the recipe to anyone who tries it. Trust us, they will ask.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Saute the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally to cook evenly, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave 3 tablespoons of the filling in the pan; discard the rest. Add the onion to the remaining filling and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is very soft and caramelized, 15 to 18 minutes.Combine Swiss cheese, cream cheese, spring onions, mayonnaise, thyme, cayenne pepper, and caramelized onion in a medium bowl. Chop the bacon and add it to the onion mixture; stir gently to combine all the ingredients.Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until it is hot and bubbling and the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sauteed onions; garnish with thyme. Serve hot with crackers and pretzels.