Warm Blue Cheese Dip with Garlic and Bacon

Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; leave grease in the pan. Crumble bacon when cool enough to handle.

Cook garlic in bacon grease over medium heat until soft, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Beat cream cheese and half-and-half in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until blended. Stir in bacon, garlic, blue cheese, and chives. Transfer mixture to a medium baking dish and cover.

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.