Bruschetta Dip: A Vibrant and Flavorful Appetizer to Delight Your Guests
This Bruschetta Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that combines fresh Roma tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a creamy cheese mixture featuring feta, cream cheese, and sour cream. Marinated with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, and garnished with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, this dip offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors that will delight your guests at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking required, marinating and blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bruschetta:
- 4 Roma tomatoes, cored and diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz feta cheese block, crumbled
- ½ block cream cheese (4 oz), softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For Garnishing:
- More basil leaves, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Bruschetta: Core and dice the Roma tomatoes into small cubes, removing seeds if desired to avoid excess moisture. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes with chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the tomatoes to release their juice.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a food processor, combine crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust salt cautiously, as feta adds natural saltiness.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a shallow serving dish to form the base layer. Spoon the marinated bruschetta mixture over the cheese layer, spreading uniformly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil, red pepper flakes to taste, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dip. Serve immediately with your choice of crisp bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for a milder taste and different texture.
- Tomato Variations: Try cherry or heirloom tomatoes for different sweetness and flavor profiles while maintaining freshness.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Customize with oregano, thyme, parsley, or additional garlic/onion powder for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Vegan Option: Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, coconut yogurt, or dairy-free feta to make the dip vegan-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Bruschetta, Dip, Appetizer, Feta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Roma Tomatoes, Basil, Italian Appetizer, Party Dip
