Description
This Bruschetta Dip offers a fresh and creamy take on the classic Italian appetizer, featuring diced cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil blended with a rich dip base. Ideal for parties or casual gatherings, it pairs beautifully with crispy toasted bread, creating a flavorful and visually appealing dish that will keep your guests coming back for more. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and delightful textures in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved (or diced mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by washing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Once clean, dice them into small pieces. A sharp knife works best for clean cuts. Place the diced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the fresh mozzarella balls or dice a block of mozzarella into small cubes. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Finely chop the fresh basil leaves. Stacking the leaves and rolling them up before slicing makes it easier to get nice, thin strips. Add the chopped basil to the bowl.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the mixture. The garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. These ingredients will help to marry all the flavors together.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together gently, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the creamy dip.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend them together until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dip.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream cheese mixture. This will add a nice cheesy flavor and a bit of richness to the dip.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The creamy dip should be smooth and spreadable.
- Grab a serving dish or a large platter. Start by spreading the creamy dip mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the base layer.
- Spoon the bruschetta mixture generously over the creamy layer, distributing it evenly so that every bite has a bit of that delicious tomato and mozzarella goodness.
- For an extra touch, drizzle a little more balsamic vinegar over the top of the bruschetta layer. This adds a beautiful presentation and enhances the flavor.
- Finally, garnish the dip with a few fresh basil leaves on top. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh aroma.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, arrange the sliced baguette or Italian bread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven. You can also sprinkle a little salt on top for added flavor.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bread for about 8-10 minutes, or until the slices are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. The crispy bread will be perfect for dipping into the bruschetta dip.
- Serve the bruschetta dip with the toasted bread slices on the side. Arrange the bread around the dip for a beautiful presentation.
- Encourage your guests to scoop up the creamy dip with the crispy bread. The combination of the crunchy bread and the fresh, flavorful dip is simply irresistible.
- If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the bruschetta dip to your liking. You can add diced bell peppers, olives, or even artichokes for a different flavor profile.
- For a more substantial dip, consider adding cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or diced grilled chicken to the bruschetta mixture.
- For a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based cheese for the Parmesan.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the bruschetta mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the dip right before serving for the best texture.
- This bruschetta dip is perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun appetizer for family gatherings. It’s always a hit, and I love seeing everyone enjoy it!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes