Imagine a creamy, vibrant spread that combines the rich, herbal notes of pesto with the luxurious smoothness of cream cheese, punctuated by the intense, sun-kissed flavor of dried tomatoes. This isn't just another appetizer – it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet sensation that will elevate any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to discover a recipe that's so easy to make, yet so impressive, it'll become your new go-to party favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and allow to soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to ensure smooth mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Add prepared pesto to the cream cheese and blend thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined with a consistent green-tinged color.
- Finely chop sun-dried tomatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the spread.
- Fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the pesto cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to maintain an even texture.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the mixture, stirring until all ingredients are well integrated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing carefully to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the spread to a serving bowl or storage container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and spread to firm up slightly.
- Serve chilled with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable crudités as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature for the smoothest, most spreadable consistency.
- Chop with Precision: Finely dice sun-dried tomatoes to prevent large, overwhelming chunks in your spread.
- Blend Gradually: Add ingredients slowly and mix thoroughly to create a uniform texture and balanced flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting your Parmesan cheese briefly before adding it to the mix.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This spread actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: Experiment with different dippers like artisan crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh vegetable sticks for variety.
- Storage Tip: The spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
