Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cheese Dip
This delectable Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cheese Dip is the perfect appetizer for your next gathering! Featuring rich and tangy cream cheese blended with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant pesto, it’s a quick and easy dish that can elevate any party spread. Whether served with crunchy crackers, paired with grilled chicken, or enjoyed alongside fresh vegetables, this dip is sure to impress your guests. For a hearty twist, mix it into warm pasta for a deliciously creamy sauce that brings the flavors to life. Try it today and watch it disappear in no time!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
16 ounces (room temperature)
sun-dried tomatoes
15 (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
fresh pesto sauce
1/4 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine cream cheese and 10 of the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2
Once the mixture is well blended, add the remaining chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pulse a few times to incorporate them without completely blending.
3
On a large serving platter, layer half of the creamy cheese mixture evenly across the bottom.
4
Spread half of the fresh pesto over the cheese layer for added flavor.
5
Repeat the layers with the remaining cheese mixture and then top with the rest of the pesto.
6
Chill the dip for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
7
Serve with an assortment of crackers, grilled chicken slices, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cheese Dip?
It is a flavorful appetizer featuring a blend of cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh pesto, perfect for parties and gatherings.
How many main ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires three main ingredients: cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh pesto sauce.
What are the specific ingredients required?
You will need 16 ounces of cream cheese, 15 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped), and 1/4 cup of fresh pesto sauce.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be brought to room temperature before blending to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Use sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil; be sure to drain and chop them before starting the recipe.
Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade fresh pesto sauce.
How many sun-dried tomatoes are blended into the cream cheese initially?
You blend 10 of the chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the cream cheese in a food processor until smooth.
What do I do with the remaining sun-dried tomatoes?
Add the remaining 5 chopped tomatoes to the mixture and pulse a few times to incorporate them without fully blending.
How is the dip layered for serving?
Layer half of the cheese mixture on a platter, spread half of the pesto over it, then repeat with the remaining cheese and pesto.
How long should the dip chill before serving?
The dip should be chilled for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
Serve this dip with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or even slices of grilled chicken.
Can I use this dip for anything other than a dip?
Yes, you can mix this dip into warm pasta to create a deliciously creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is considered a crowd-pleaser and makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces, but it also serves as a dip and an appetizer.
How much cream cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of cream cheese.
What is the total count of sun-dried tomatoes needed?
You will need 15 sun-dried tomatoes in total.
How much pesto sauce is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh pesto sauce.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is recommended to blend the cream cheese and tomatoes into a smooth base.
Is this dip good for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect appetizer for gatherings and a great party food.
Is the preparation of this dip quick?
Yes, it is a quick and easy dish that can be prepared rapidly before chilling.
Can I serve this dip with meat?
Yes, it pairs very well with grilled chicken slices.
What is the texture of the dip?
The dip is creamy due to the cream cheese, with small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes throughout for texture.
Does this recipe use oil-packed tomatoes?
Yes, it specifically calls for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for better flavor and texture.
Can I use this recipe as a finger food?
Yes, when served with crackers or bite-sized veggies, it is an excellent finger food.
How many layers of pesto are in the final presentation?
The dip is layered twice with pesto, once in the middle and once on top.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dip, appetizer, cheese dip, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, cream cheese, party food, finger food, and crowd-pleaser.
What type of platter should I use?
A large serving platter is recommended for spreading and layering the mixture evenly.
Does the dip have a tangy flavor?
Yes, the combination of cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes provides a rich and tangy flavor profile.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly if you don't have time to make homemade sauce.
Is this a versatile recipe?
Yes, it is very versatile as it can be used as a dip, a spread for chicken, or a pasta sauce.