Creamy Blue Cheese and Basil Dip
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Blue Cheese and Basil Dip, perfect for summer evenings or any occasion. This refreshing dip combines the rich flavors of Philadelphia Cream Cheese and tangy blue cheese with the aromatic freshness of garlic and basil. Whether served with crunchy crackers or drizzled over crispy breadsticks, this dip is guaranteed to elevate your entertaining game and impress your guests with its major Yumm-factor.
4
Servings
380
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
8 ounces (Melted)
Garlic
1 clove (Mince)
Basil
1 bunch (Chopped)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
14 ounces (Softened)
Blue Cheese
8 ounces (Crumbled)
Lemon Rind
1 teaspoon (Finely grated)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
In a small pot or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until completely liquefied. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
2
While the butter is cooling, mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh basil leaves into small pieces.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese and blue cheese, using a fork to break them down into smaller pieces.
4
Add the minced garlic and chopped basil to the cheese mixture, then blend all the ingredients together using a hand mixer or a food processor until smooth and creamy.
5
Incorporate the finely grated lemon rind and lemon juice into the mixture, followed by a pinch of pepper for added flavor.
6
Slowly drizzle in the cooled melted butter while continuing to blend until fully combined and creamy.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more pepper or lemon juice if desired.
8
Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
9
Serve chilled with a selection of crispy crackers or breadsticks, such as Grisini, for a deliciously tempting appetizer.
Nutrition Information
32.5g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
8.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Blue Cheese and Basil Dip?
It is a refreshing and indulgent appetizer made by combining Philadelphia Cream Cheese, blue cheese, fresh basil, and garlic, often served with crackers or breadsticks.
Is this Creamy Blue Cheese and Basil Dip recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary cheeses used in this dip?
The dip uses 14 ounces of softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese and 8 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
How much butter is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of melted butter.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 380 calories.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the cheese mixture.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe specifies using one bunch of fresh, chopped basil.
How long should the dip be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 32.5 grams of fat in each serving.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a food processor or a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
What should I serve with this blue cheese dip?
This dip is best served chilled with crispy crackers or breadsticks, such as Grisini.
How much protein is in a serving of this dip?
Each serving provides 8.25 grams of protein.
What role does lemon juice play in the recipe?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to incorporate brightness and balance the rich flavors of the cheese and butter.
Is there any fiber in this dip?
Based on the nutritional information provided, the fiber content is null or negligible.
How much lemon rind is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon rind.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 3.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the butter be hot when added to the cheese?
No, the butter should be melted but allowed to cool slightly before being drizzled into the mixture.
What seasoning is used to finish the dip?
Freshly cracked pepper is added to taste to enhance the flavor profile.
Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese required?
While Philadelphia is the specific brand mentioned in the recipe, you can likely use any high-quality cream cheese.
Why do I need to break down the cheese with a fork first?
Using a fork to break down the cream cheese and blue cheese helps ensure they mix more evenly before using a mixer.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer party?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing summer recipe perfect for entertaining and party food.
What type of texture should the final dip have?
The final product should be smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
How many cloves of garlic are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic.
Can I adjust the seasoning after mixing?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more pepper or lemon juice if desired before refrigerating.
What is the preparation method for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for easier blending.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients or nutritional data.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutrition facts for this recipe.
What is the 'Yumm-factor' mentioned in the description?
The 'Yumm-factor' refers to the high level of flavor and guest satisfaction the dip provides.
Should the dip be covered during refrigeration?
Yes, you should cover the dip with plastic wrap while it chills for at least 2 hours.