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Bruschetta Dip: A Vibrant and Flavorful Appetizer to Delight Your Guests Recipe

4.6 from 96 reviews

This Bruschetta Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer combining fresh Roma tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a creamy cheese mixture of feta, cream cheese, and sour cream. Enhanced with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, this dip bursts with bright, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect for serving with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks. Garnished with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, it makes a stunning and delicious starter that will delight your guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bruschetta:

  • 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 8 oz feta cheese block, crumbled
  • ½ block cream cheese (4 oz), softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

For Garnishing:

  • More fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bruschetta Mixture: Dice the Roma tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the chopped fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and allow the mixture to marinate at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
  2. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Add the minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly using a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt carefully, considering the saltiness of the feta cheese. Blend until the mixture is evenly combined.
  3. Combine the Dip: Gently fold the marinated bruschetta mixture into the prepared cheese mixture, stirring just enough to distribute the tomatoes and herbs evenly without breaking them down too much. This ensures a balanced texture with chunks of tomato and creamy cheese throughout.
  4. Chill the Dip: Cover the dip with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly. This step helps the dip flavors intensify and the texture to set perfectly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the dip with additional chopped fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for mild heat, and a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the bruschetta dip with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

  • Use firm Roma tomatoes to avoid excess moisture and keep the dip from becoming watery.
  • Softening the cream cheese before mixing ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Adjust balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes according to your preferred balance of acidity and heat.
  • This dip can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated to develop deeper flavors.
  • For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
  • Try goat cheese or ricotta as alternatives for feta if preferred.

Keywords: Bruschetta dip, creamy dip, tomato dip, appetizer, Italian dip, feta cheese dip, party dip, fresh basil dip, no-cook dip