7-layer B. L. T. Dip

• cream cheese, softened↗8 ounces

  softened

• mayonnaise or 1/4 cup vegetarian mayonnaise (Vegenaise)↗1⁄4 cup
• sour cream or 1/4 cup plain yogurt↗1⁄4 cup
• grated parmesan cheese1⁄4 cup
• garlic powder↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• salt and pepper, to taste

  to taste

• minced iceberg lettuce1 cup
• minced water chestnut (the crunch is nice) (optional)1⁄4 cup
• shredded cheddar cheese↗3⁄4 cup
• shredded monterey jack cheese3⁄4 cup
• slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled or 8 slices vegetarian bacon↗8 slices
• roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped↗4
• green onions, chopped↗3

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.

2. 2

   Spread the mixture onto a serving plate.

3. 3

   Mix together the minced lettuce with the water chestnuts (if using).

4. 4

   Top the cream cheese mixture with remaining ingredients, in order: lettuce/water chestnut, the cheeses, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and green onions.

5. 5

   Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

6. 6

   Serve with bread rounds or pita chips for dipping.

7. 7

   Note: you can also mix the water chestnuts into the cream cheese mixture instead of into the lettuce, if you prefer.