Description
This Bruschetta Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that combines fresh, marinated Roma tomatoes with a creamy cheese base made from feta, cream cheese, and sour cream. Enhanced with fragrant basil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, this layered dip offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors, ideal for parties or casual gatherings to delight your guests.
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
- Prepare the Bruschetta: Core and dice the Roma tomatoes into small cubes, removing seeds if desired to avoid excess moisture. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, and minced garlic. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Marinate the Bruschetta: Allow the tomato mixture to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This marinating step lets the tomatoes release their juices and absorb the flavors of basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, enriching the taste of the topping.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a food processor, combine crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Process for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the bowl sides as needed for even blending.
- Season the Cheese Mixture: Taste the cheese mixture and add salt carefully, considering that feta is already salty. Blend briefly again if additional salt is added to ensure even seasoning.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the smooth cheese mixture evenly in a shallow serving dish, creating the creamy base layer. Spoon the marinated bruschetta mixture on top, distributing the tomatoes and basil evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling the dip with freshly chopped basil, red pepper flakes to add gentle heat, and generous freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or chilled as an appetizing starter.
Notes
- For a less watery dip, remove tomato seeds before dicing.
- If sour cream is unavailable, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes to taste depending on preference for acidity and spice.
- Allowing the bruschetta topping to marinate enhances the depth of flavor.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to maximize flavor impact in both layers.
- The dip pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: bruschetta dip, Italian appetizer, tomato dip, feta cheese dip, party appetizer, no-cook dip, creamy dip, basil dip
