Description
Luxurious Tuscan Cheese Dip brings Mediterranean magic to your appetizer spread, blending rich flavors and smooth textures. Cheese enthusiasts will discover a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for entertaining or savoring solo with crusty bread and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheeses:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 baguette (sliced and toasted)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack positioned in the center.
- Blend ricotta and Parmesan cheeses in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully integrated.
- Finely chop sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, then incorporate into the cheese mixture.
- Mince garlic and gently fold into the cheese blend along with olive oil, ensuring even distribution.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, stirring to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Transfer the creamy mixture into a clean baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform surface.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the top develops a golden-brown, slightly crispy texture.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and dip to cool slightly.
- Slice a fresh baguette diagonally and toast until crisp and light golden.
- Serve the warm, bubbling dip immediately alongside the toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Swap ricotta with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that maintains creamy texture and reduces overall fat content.
- Try different herb combinations like oregano or thyme to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the dip.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers instead of traditional baguette slices.
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a subtle heat and enhance the overall taste complexity of the dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg