Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to impress your guests at your next gathering? Look no further! This Tomato Basil Baked Cheese Dip recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant, fresh flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
To make this savory dip, you will need:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and minced garlic. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Next, fold in the diced tomatoes, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. Serve it with sliced baguette or your favorite crackers for a delightful appetizer that everyone will love.
How to Make Tomato Basil Baked Cheese Dip
First, gather all the ingredients you’ll need. You’ll need cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dip is heated through.
Finally, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with additional fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor. This Tomato Basil Baked Cheese Dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Cream cheese | 8 ounces |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
Diced tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Baked Cheese Dip
- Cream cheese: This forms the base of the dip and provides a rich and creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the dip.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives the dip a salty and nutty flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a delicious savory taste to the dip.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are chopped and added to the dip to provide a juicy and slightly acidic element.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves are finely chopped and mixed with the dip to infuse it with a refreshing and aromatic flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, which enhances the overall taste of the dip.
- Salt and black pepper: These seasonings are added to taste and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
By combining these ingredients, you can create a delicious Tomato Basil Baked Cheese Dip that is perfect as an appetizer or party snack. The creamy cheese, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together to create a dip that is sure to please your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tomato Basil Baked Cheese Dip
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making the tomato basil baked cheese dip, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the dip is fully prepared.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You can use a square or rectangular dish depending on your preference. Make sure the dish is oven-safe and has enough room for the dip to spread out as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Dip
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on the dip while it’s baking to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tomato basil baked cheese dip is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with your favorite chips, crackers, or sliced bread. The dip can be enjoyed immediately and is best served fresh out of the oven.
Now that you know the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious tomato basil baked cheese dip, you can easily prepare it for your next gathering or party. Enjoy!