Spicy Baked Party Dip

To save time toast the nuts in advance, if you are serving a crowd prepare two recipes and serve in two separate dishes. Prep time includes toasting nuts.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  chopped pecans
• 2  teaspoons butter, melted
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2  teaspoons  minced fresh garlic (optional)
• 2  tablespoons  taco seasoning (or to taste)
• 2 -3  green onions, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded cheddar cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  picante sauce
•  crackers or   corn chips

Directions

1. Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
2. Set oven to 275 degrees.
3. Place the nuts on a small baking pan; bake for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the nuts are lightly toasted, transfer to a small bowl and add in melted butter and salt; mix to combine.
4. In a medium bowl mix together softened cream cheese, garlic, taco seasoning, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese and picante sauce; mix to thoroughly combine, then stir in the pecans.
5. Spoon into preapred baking dish.
6. Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees and bake covered with foil for 45 minutes or until thoroughly heated through.
7. Serve with crackers or corn chips.