Description
Creamy bruschetta dip brings classic Italian flavors to your appetizer spread, blending ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and rich cream cheese. Guests will crave this zesty, crowd-pleasing starter that perfectly complements crusty bread or crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) goat cheese, softened
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced baguette or crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a small baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a velvety base by blending goat cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Carefully spread the cheese mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring a consistent layer.
- In a separate mixing container, combine cherry tomatoes with minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, optional red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently tumble the seasoned tomato medley over the creamy cheese foundation, distributing the ingredients for maximum flavor coverage.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to become golden and bubbly while the tomatoes develop a slightly caramelized appearance.
- Once perfectly cooked, extract the dish from the oven and immediately scatter torn fresh basil leaves across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Serve piping hot alongside crisp baguette slices or artisan crackers, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy the warm, fragrant dip.
Notes
- Mix different soft cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone for a more complex flavor profile.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level, perfect for those who prefer mild or spicy dishes.
- Prepare cheese base and tomato mixture separately up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Swap dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond or cashew cheese for a vegan version that’s equally delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg