Description
A delicious and creamy Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack. This baked dip combines tangy sun-dried tomatoes with rich cream cheese, savory pesto, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Served warm with garlic-rubbed toasted baguette slices, it’s an irresistible appetizer that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 1 jar DeLallo Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 jar DeLallo Simply Pesto
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, optional for garnish
To Serve
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds and toasted
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Process Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the sun-dried tomatoes to a blender or food processor and blend until finely chopped and broken down. Set aside this pulpy tomato mixture.
- Mix Cheeses and Pesto: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and pesto until they are well blended. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
- Assemble Dip: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a small casserole dish. Then carefully spread the blended sun-dried tomatoes over the cheese layer, creating a flavorful top layer.
- Bake Dip: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, allowing the flavors to meld and cheeses to melt thoroughly.
- Prepare Bread: While the dip bakes, toast the baguette slices until golden. Rub one side of each toasted slice with a peeled clove of garlic to add a subtle garlic flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil on top if desired. Serve warm alongside the garlic-rubbed toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh sun-dried tomatoes if available, but jarred versions work perfectly.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, rub additional garlic cloves on the baguette slices.
- Vegetarian friendly, but not suitable for vegan diets due to cheese content.
- To make this dip ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then bake right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
