Description
This warm and gooey three-cheese tomato bruschetta dip combines fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic with a rich blend of cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Crusty baguette, pita bread, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8 inch oven-safe baking dish.
Step 4: Spoon the seasoned tomato mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Step 7: Carefully remove from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or your preferred dippers.
Notes
For an extra tang, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving. You can also mix in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the fresh tomatoes for a deeper tomato flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg