Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Whipped Bruschetta Cheese Dip is a must-have for parties and gatherings! Featuring a silky whipped cheese base topped with juicy marinated tomatoes, this dish effortlessly combines elegance and simplicity. Serve it with crusty bread or pita chips, and watch it disappear in no time!
Ingredients
For the Tomato Topping:
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Whipped Cheese Base:
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Drizzle of olive oil
Preparation
Prepare the Tomato Topping
- Dice the Roma tomatoes and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Gently toss the mixture to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Whip the Cheese Base
- In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.
- Continue blending for an ultra-smooth texture if desired.
Assemble the Dip
- Spread the whipped cheese mixture evenly into a serving bowl or dish, creating a smooth layer.
- Carefully spoon the marinated tomato mixture over the top, ensuring an even distribution.
Garnish and Serve
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the assembled dip.
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, crostini, or pita chips.
Variations
- Mediterranean Flair: Add chopped Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of oregano to the tomato topping.
- Herb Twist: Mix fresh thyme or parsley into the whipped cheese base for a herbal undertone.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Use roasted cherry tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. A creamy feta works particularly well.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a hand mixer, but the texture may be slightly less smooth.
- Allowing the tomato topping to marinate for longer can deepen its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with toasted baguette slices or warm pita bread for a classic pairing.
- Use the dip as a spread for sandwiches or wraps for a gourmet twist.
- Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell pepper for a lighter option.
Tips
- Chill the assembled dip for 15 minutes before serving to keep it refreshing.
- For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings, as this dip tends to go quickly!
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
None
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 215
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the whipped cheese base and tomato topping separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one day. Assemble and garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Q: What can I substitute for feta cheese?
A: Ricotta or goat cheese can be used as a substitute for feta. However, the flavor will differ slightly as feta has a distinct tanginess.
Q: Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?
A: Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes work well and add a slightly sweeter flavor to the topping.
Q: How can I make this dip spicier?
A: Add finely chopped fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tomato topping for some heat.
Conclusion
This Whipped Bruschetta Cheese Dip is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the creamy richness of whipped feta with the vibrant freshness of marinated tomatoes. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or an elegant dinner party, this dip will quickly become your go-to appetizer. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible flavor make it a standout dish for any occasion. So, grab some crusty bread, whip up this dip, and watch it vanish within minutes!
PrintWHIPPED BRUSCHETTA CHEESE DIP
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Tomato Topping:
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Whipped Cheese Base:
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Topping
- Dice the Roma tomatoes and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Gently toss the mixture to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Whip the Cheese Base
- In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.
- Continue blending for an ultra-smooth texture if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
- Spread the whipped cheese mixture evenly into a serving bowl or dish, creating a smooth layer.
- Carefully spoon the marinated tomato mixture over the top, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the assembled dip.
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, crostini, or pita chips.
Notes
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. A creamy feta works particularly well.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a hand mixer, but the texture may be slightly less smooth.
- Allowing the tomato topping to marinate for longer can deepen its flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 215
- Sodium: 450mg
- Protein: 5g