Tomato Basil Dip

I recently made this dip for a family get together.  I knew that I loved the age old combination of tomatoes and basil, but didnt know how I was going to feel about all the cream cheese this recipe calls for.

I know.  I doubted cream cheese.

I should really get two lashes for that.

 

Turns out that this appetizer is delightfully rich and complex and decadent.  

Paired with a perfectly toasted garlic oil infused French bread, it is so satisfying.

 

This recipe is from Southern Living.

It is slightly labor intensive, and you really need to refrigerate between each layer, but the ending result is definitely worth it.

Ingredients

• 2  (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4  cup  butter, softened
• 1  teaspoon  salt, divided
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• 1 1/3  cups  sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 2  (3-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened and divided
• 1/3  cup  tomato paste
• 4 oz. container of pre-made pesto (you can certainly make your own, the original recipe gives instructions for that!)

Directions

Beat 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Set aside.

Process dried tomatoes in a food processor until chopped. Add 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, tomato paste, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; process until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Spoon into a bowl, and set aside. 

Spray a 6-inch springform pan with cooking spray. (I used a 6 inch cake pan lined with parchment)

Spread 1/2 cup butter/cream cheese mixture evenly on bottom of springform pan/cake pan.

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Layer with half of tomato mixture, 1/2 cup butter/cream cheese mixture, and half of basil mixture; top with 1/2 cup butter mixture. Repeat layers with remaining tomato mixture, 1/2 cup butter mixture, and remaining basil mixture.

Make sure you refrigerate between each layer so they can properly set up.

Top with remaining butter/cream cheese mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; chill at least 8 hours.

Run a knife gently around edge of pan to loosen sides. Remove sides of pan; carefully remove bottom of pan, and place layered spread on a serving tray.

I garnished with fresh basil and a cherry tomato.

Plus, it just so happens that this is perfect for Christmas...  white, green, and red!! 

Hope you try it, and love it like we did!!

Comments

[Renee]

That looks pretty good! Might have to try it.

[Shaina]

I love it...and it looks like a cream cheese and tomato basil cake. You posted something that wasn't cake that still looks like cake. Ha.

[Jessica @ How Sweet]

That is so beautiful. Surely something I would love!

[Cookbook Queen]

You know that when people care about each other, they make each other fancy dip, right?

I'll be waiting for mine here in Arkansas. You can just mail it or whatever. :)

[Amanda Rettke]

Oh. My. Goodness Shaina.  You are SOOOO right!!  What a dork I am!!!

[CM @ A Little Lilac]

Um, aren't you on your way to Florida??? ;-)

That's looks delish...and I don't even like whole tomatoes OR basil! I know, I'm weird like that.

[libby]

amaaaazing! looks so yummy. and FATTY! even better! ha

[SMITH BITES]

it is also the color of the Italian flag . . . just in case you ever need that tidbit of information for your next party . . .

[Diane {createdbydiane.blogspot.com}]

Looks so pretty!

[Alissa]

Your photos make anything look delicious!

[Jamie]

Gorgeous...as always! I love the idea of this dip and the flavor combination sounds amazing!

[naomi]

Okay, Cake Master gone savory-I love it, Amanda. Dang, I wish I was coming to your home for the holidays!

Love right back at you! Be merry, be joyful and be blessed.

[Jun]

So pretty. I'm also curious about this combo, guess have to try this soon.

[TidyMom]

GORGEOUS Amanda!!!!! seriously.......how do you do it all?!

[Nancy @SensitivePantry]

Spectacular!!

[marla {family fresh cooking}]

How can you take such a simple concept & make it so freakin fabulous!! Amazing. This is such a pretty & festive dip. Never doubt the cream cheese my friend :) xo

[Paula]

Such a pretty presentation!

[Maria]

Great party dip!

[ali @ an ordinary mom]

Wow, that's just lovely! Like one of those things that's almost too beautiful to eat...

[SweetSugarBelle]

TOTALLY making this. Mouth watering. It won't look like this but if it tastes as good as yours looks, I will be happy =)

[abby]

YUM! Can't wait to try this!!

[Judith Norman]

Looks delicious. Of course, your photograpy skills are stellar. I've been trying to come up with a new dish for Christmas and I think this one might be it. Thanks for sharing. Hope you had a great vacation.

[janmary, n ireland]

Looks delicious - and I think it might just be worth all the effort!

Hope you are your family are well - have not visited your blog in AGES!

[Londa]

Everything you make is so pretty! Could you become a professional food photographer? (Your other pictures are amazing, too; but your food ones are just always perfect!)
I think this would be delicious...in a few weeks when salty food doesn't make my stomach turn! Ug!

[Kristen]

That is such a unique and lovely dip! Love the presentation.

[Barbara]

That looks like a Christmas Day treat!

[Mary C.]

WOW! Sorry to yell, but this is beautiful. Who wants to take the first dip and ruin it :(

[NorthernGirl]

Well, I tried this for my ladies Christmas party. It tasted DELICIOUS! However, mine didn't look as pretty as yours Amanda, but everyone kept saying, wow, that looks amazing. But it did taste great! Thanks for the great idea.

[rejuv by caci]

Thanks for this recipe, I'll try at our home, i think I'll make perfectly through this recipe.

[Yanet]

That sounds delicious! And it looks beautiful! Lovely pictures.

Happy New Year!