Bruschetta Dip is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer that takes the classic Italian bruschetta topping and turns it into a creamy, dipable version. With a base of creamy cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dip is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herby flavors. It’s great for parties, picnics, or as an easy snack to enjoy with crispy baguette slices or crackers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the delicious flavors of bruschetta in a creamy, dipable form.
- Quick and easy to make, with minimal prep time.
- Perfect for gatherings and holiday parties.
- Can be served with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Versatile—easy to customize with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients
For the dip base:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the bruschetta topping:
- 2 cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional for garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Extra balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Directions
- Make the dip base:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer for a smoother consistency.
Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of a serving dish (a pie dish or shallow bowl works great). - Prepare the bruschetta topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine. - Assemble the dip:
Spoon the bruschetta topping over the cream cheese base, spreading it evenly to cover. - Garnish and serve:
If desired, garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Serve with crostini, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 as an appetizer and takes about 10 minutes of prep time.
Variations
- Add a protein: For an extra boost, mix in cooked, crumbled beef or grilled chicken to the creamy base.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the tomato mixture for a spicy version.
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.
- Add olives: Stir in some chopped black olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes: Replace fresh tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more intense flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This Bruschetta Dip is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cream cheese mixture may thicken slightly, so just give it a good stir before serving again. It does not need to be reheated.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the creamy base and prepare the bruschetta topping ahead of time. Just assemble the dip right before serving to prevent the tomatoes from releasing too much moisture into the creamy base.
Can I use other cheese in the dip base?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese, ricotta, or even cream cheese and ricotta mixed together for a different texture.
What can I serve this dip with?
Serve with crostini, crackers, fresh baguette slices, or fresh veggies like cucumber, carrots, or bell pepper strips for dipping.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are best, but if you must use canned, choose high-quality diced tomatoes and drain them well before using.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While the dip may change in texture after freezing, you can freeze the cream cheese base separately. Store the bruschetta topping in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Bruschetta Dip is a flavorful and versatile appetizer that combines the best parts of a classic Italian dish in an easy-to-serve dip form. With its creamy base, fresh tomato topping, and deliciously tangy balsamic glaze, it’s a dish that will surely be a hit at your next gathering. Quick, simple, and satisfying—this dip is a crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss!
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Bruschetta Dip
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Bruschetta Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that takes the traditional Italian bruschetta and transforms it into a dip. With a base of creamy cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dip is perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the bruschetta topping:
- 2 cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional for garnish: Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Extra balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Make the dip base: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, using a hand mixer if needed. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a serving dish.
- Prepare the bruschetta topping: In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble the dip: Spoon the bruschetta topping over the creamy base, spreading it evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze. Serve with crostini, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For extra protein, add crumbled beef or grilled chicken to the dip base.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños in the tomato mixture.
- Make it dairy-free by using dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.
- Add black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg