I love a good party dip. It brings people together. This bruschetta dip does just that. It tastes bright and fresh. It also feels a little fancy and very easy. I often make it when friends stop by. It pairs beautifully with pasta or simple mains. I especially like to serve it with creamy tomato garlic pasta for a cozy weekend spread.
why make this recipe
This dip balances bright tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy cheeses. It looks impressive. It comes together in about 15 minutes. You can make parts ahead. It travels well to potlucks. Kids and grown-ups both love it. It’s a great way to use ripe Roma tomatoes.
how to make Bruschetta Dip: A Vibrant and Flavorful Appetizer to Delight Your Guests
Ingredients:
- 4 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- ¼ cup basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for the tomato mixture)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for the tomatoes)
- 1–2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- 8 oz feta cheese block, crumbled
- ½ block cream cheese (4 oz), softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for the cheese mixture)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the cheese mixture)
- Salt, to taste
- More basil leaves, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for finishing
Directions:
Preparing the Bruschetta:
- Dice the Roma tomatoes and place them in a bowl.
- Add chopped basil and one minced garlic clove.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and add balsamic vinegar.
- Season with a pinch of salt. Toss gently. Set aside to marinate while you make the cheese base.
Preparing the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, add crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, and sour cream.
- Add the second minced garlic clove, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and add salt if needed. Remember the feta is salty.
Assembling the Dip:
- Spoon the cheese mixture into a shallow serving bowl. Smooth the top.
- Pile the marinated bruschetta mixture over the cheese base.
- Sprinkle chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan.
- Serve right away with crunchy bread or crackers. This dip also goes great with warm, cheesy sides like cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage for a heartier table.
how to serve Bruschetta Dip: A Vibrant and Flavorful Appetizer to Delight Your Guests
Serve it with toasted baguette slices or crisp pita chips. Keep a bowl of extra basil nearby. Offer a small spoon so guests can scoop the cheese and top together. For a big party, arrange the dip on a board with sliced veggies and crackers. It also makes an awesome starter alongside a main like Cajun steak and cheesy rigatoni for a fuller meal.
how to store Bruschetta Dip: A Vibrant and Flavorful Appetizer to Delight Your Guests
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the tomato topping and cheese base separate if possible. The cheese base will keep 3–4 days. The tomato mixture is best used within 24–48 hours. If mixed together and stored, expect a softer texture after a day. Bring to room temperature before serving.
tips to make Bruschetta Dip: A Vibrant and Flavorful Appetizer to Delight Your Guests
- Use ripe Roma tomatoes. They hold texture and taste sweet.
- Salt the tomatoes lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes. That draws out flavor.
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing for a smooth base.
- Adjust the balsamic and lemon to balance sweet and tangy.
- For a sweet finish after the party, try my cookies and cream cinnamon rolls — they are a crowd-pleaser.
- If you want a smokier bite, add a splash of smoked paprika to the tomato mix.
variation (if any)
Swap the feta for goat cheese for a milder tang. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dip. Roast the tomatoes for a deeper flavor. Add chopped roasted red peppers or kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist. If you want a cozy combo night, serve this with a bowl of creamy cowboy soup for dipping and spooning.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the cheese base up to 3 days ahead. Make the tomato topping the same day for the freshest texture.
Q: What can I use instead of feta?
A: Goat cheese or ricotta work well. Goat cheese gives a creamy tang. Ricotta yields a milder, softer base.
Q: Is this dip suitable for kids?
A: Yes. Omit the red pepper flakes for little ones. They will love the creamy cheese and fresh tomatoes.
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Bruschetta Dip
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful party dip featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy cheeses.
Ingredients
- 4 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- ¼ cup basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for the tomato mixture)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for the tomatoes)
- 1–2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- 8 oz feta cheese block, crumbled
- ½ block cream cheese (4 oz), softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for the cheese mixture)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the cheese mixture)
- Salt, to taste
- More basil leaves, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for finishing
Instructions
- Dice the Roma tomatoes and place them in a bowl.
- Add chopped basil and one minced garlic clove.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and add balsamic vinegar.
- Season with a pinch of salt. Toss gently. Set aside to marinate while you make the cheese base.
- In a medium bowl, add crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, and sour cream.
- Add the second minced garlic clove, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and add salt if needed.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into a shallow serving bowl. Smooth the top.
- Pile the marinated bruschetta mixture over the cheese base.
- Sprinkle chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan.
- Serve right away with crunchy bread or crackers.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the tomato topping and cheese base separate if possible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: bruschetta, dip, party, appetizer, cheese, tomatoes
