Description
This Bruschetta Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring a fresh tomato and basil bruschetta topping layered over a creamy feta and cream cheese base. It offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic notes, making it an ideal party dip that delights with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bruschetta Topping
- 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
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz feta cheese block, crumbled
- ½ block (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- More fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the Bruschetta: Core and dice the Roma tomatoes into small cubes, removing seeds if desired to reduce moisture. Place diced tomatoes into a medium bowl and add the chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to combine and coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Marinating the Bruschetta: Let the tomato mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to release their natural juices, enhancing the overall freshness and depth of flavor.
- Preparing the Cheese Mixture: In a food processor, combine crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Puree for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed for even blending.
- Seasoning the Cheese Mixture: Taste the cheese base and add salt cautiously, considering the saltiness of the feta. Adjust seasoning until balanced but not overly salty.
- Assembling the Dip: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly in a shallow serving dish to create the base layer of the dip.
- Adding the Bruschetta Topping: Spoon the marinated tomato mixture evenly over the cheese base, spreading gently to ensure balanced distribution of tomatoes and basil.
- Garnishing: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese atop the dip to add color, a subtle heat, and an umami-rich finish that enhances its flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a less watery dip, remove tomato seeds before dicing.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity to suit your preferred level of tanginess.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content if desired.
- Use goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta for a milder cheese flavor.
- The dip can be served with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: bruschetta dip, tomato dip, feta dip, appetizer, party dip, Italian appetizer, no-cook dip, creamy dip, basil dip, easy appetizer
