When it comes to appetizers, few dishes have the magical combination of flavors that can captivate a crowd like Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip with Basil and Mozzarella. Imagine the rich aroma of garlic and shallots roasting in the oven, infusing your kitchen with a savory fragrance, only to be complemented by the creamy texture of cheese, the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, and the freshness of basil. This dip isn’t just food; it’s an experience that elevates any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a casual gathering, or simply looking to enjoy a cozy night in, this dip will quickly become your go-to recipe. It’s not just easy to prepare—it’s packed with flavors that hit all the right notes. The creamy cheese, roasted garlic, and fresh tomatoes come together to create a balanced and indulgent dip that is sure to impress everyone who tries it. Read on to learn how to prepare this delicious dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Helpful Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Dip
- FAQ: Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip with Basil and Mozzarella
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip
Before diving into the step-by-step preparation, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip with Basil and Mozzarella: Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic heads | 1–2 heads |
| Shallots | 1–2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Cherry tomatoes | 2 cups, divided |
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces, softened |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Shredded low-moisture mozzarella | 2 cups |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | To taste |
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh elements. Once you have everything ready, you’re just steps away from preparing a dip that will wow your guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your garlic, shallots, and tomatoes roast perfectly, developing rich flavors while staying tender. The heat also helps bring out the natural sweetness in the garlic and shallots, which will infuse the dip with a deep, comforting taste.
Roast Garlic and Shallots
In an oven-safe dish (around 8×8 inches works perfectly), place the garlic heads and shallots. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. These simple seasonings will enhance the natural flavors of the garlic and shallots as they roast.
- Roast the garlic and shallots for about 40 minutes, or until they are soft and golden brown. The garlic should become tender and sweet, while the shallots will caramelize, adding a savory touch.
- Let them cool slightly before handling them to prevent burns while preparing the next step.
Roast Tomatoes
Next, take 1½ cups of your cherry tomatoes and add them to the same baking dish with the garlic and shallots. Drizzle them with a little more olive oil and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of heat.
- Roast the tomatoes for 10 more minutes until they’re soft and blistered. This will enhance their natural sweetness and allow them to mix beautifully with the cheese later.
Make Garlic and Shallot Paste
Once your roasted garlic and shallots have cooled slightly, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and add them to a cutting board. Do the same for the shallots.
- Mash the garlic and shallots together into a smooth paste. This will serve as the flavorful base for your cheese mixture.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the following ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful base for your dip:
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise for extra richness
- The mashed garlic and shallot paste from the previous step
- ½ cup of freshly chopped basil for that fresh, aromatic kick
Once everything is combined, season with black pepper to taste. Then, stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese mixture should be smooth and creamy, ready to combine with the roasted vegetables.
Assemble the Dip
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully fold in the roasted tomatoes with their juices into the cheese mixture. Make sure everything is well-coated. Then, pour this mixture back into your oven-safe dish.
- Top the dip with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This final layer of mozzarella will melt beautifully during the second bake, creating that irresistible gooey, cheesy topping.
Final Bake
Return your dish to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. The golden, bubbly cheese is a sign that your dip is ready to serve!
Garnish and Serve
Once the dip has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. For a fresh contrast, garnish with sliced cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra fresh basil. Add a little thyme for extra flavor and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Serve the dip hot with your favorite toasted bread, crostini, or crackers for dipping. You’ll find that every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with savory, aromatic flavors.
Helpful Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Dip
Use Fresh Ingredients for the Best Flavor
For the ultimate experience, always use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, shallots, basil, and tomatoes will significantly elevate the flavor of the dip. The fresher your ingredients, the better the dip will taste.
Adjust the Heat
If you love heat, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes according to your taste. You can also experiment by adding jalapeños or using a spicier cheese blend for a bolder flavor profile.
Make It Ahead of Time
If you’re planning for a big party, you can prepare the roasted garlic, shallots, and tomatoes the day before. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the dip. This will save you time and effort when it’s time to serve.
Try Different Cheeses
While mozzarella and Parmesan are the traditional choices, you can get creative with your cheese selection. For a more intense flavor, add some goat cheese, cream cheese, or fontina. Experiment with different textures and flavors to make the dip even more decadent.
Keep It Warm for Longer
If you need to keep the dip warm for a longer period, place it in a slow cooker on the low setting. This will keep the cheese melted and prevent the dip from cooling too quickly, allowing guests to enjoy it throughout the evening.
FAQ: Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip with Basil and Mozzarella
Can I substitute cream cheese in this dip?
Yes! While cream cheese gives the dip its smooth and creamy texture, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese, mascarpone, or goat cheese for a different twist.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead. However, fresh basil adds a distinct flavor that really enhances the dip, so try to use it if you can.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly again.
Can I freeze this dip?
While this dip is best fresh, you can freeze it before the final bake. Just ensure it’s tightly covered and stored in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, bake it directly from frozen, allowing a little extra time for cooking.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Appetizer
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip with Basil and Mozzarella is the perfect recipe. With its rich, creamy texture, savory garlic, roasted tomatoes, and fresh basil, this dip will take your gatherings to the next level. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to suit any occasion.
So, next time you’re planning a party or craving a comforting snack, reach for this recipe and enjoy the rave reviews from your friends and family. Get creative with your ingredients, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it on toasted bread or crispy crackers, this dip will quickly become your new favorite appetizer.
Don’t wait—give this irresistible dip a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of roasted garlic, creamy cheese, and fresh basil today!
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Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip with Basil and Mozzarella: Your Ultimate Appetizer for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minute
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
- Try this Roasted Garlic and Tomato Cheese Dip with Basil and Mozzarella, a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1–2 heads of garlic
- 1–2 shallots
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F.
- Roast Garlic and Shallots:
- In a small oven-safe dish (around 8×8 inches or smaller), place the garlic heads and shallots. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 40 minutes until soft and golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Roast Tomatoes:
- Add 1½ cups of the cherry tomatoes to the same baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Roast for another 10 minutes.
- Make Garlic and Shallot Paste:
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves and shallots onto a cutting board and mash them into a smooth paste.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayo, mashed garlic and shallots, and chopped basil. Season with black pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella until well combined.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven. Gently fold in the cheese mixture with the tomatoes. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Final Bake:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Slice the remaining cherry tomatoes and use as a fresh garnish along with extra fresh basil, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with toasted bread, crostini, or crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
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