Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this mouthwatering Pesto Dip that combines the rich, herbal flavors of classic pesto with a creamy, luxurious texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for a quick and impressive snack, this Italian-inspired dish promises to be the star of any gathering. Imagine golden, crispy baguette slices and fresh, crunchy vegetables dipped into a velvety pesto cream that bursts with flavor in every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Pesto sauce
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Baguette, sliced
- Assorted crudites (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pesto sauce, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 1 cup of sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Once the dip is well mixed, taste it and add salt to taste. Stir again to incorporate the salt evenly throughout the dip.
- Next, take your baguette and slice it into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the baguette slices, ensuring they are lightly coated. You can also brush the oil on for even coverage.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the baguette slices for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the baguette is toasting, prepare your assorted crudites. Wash and cut the carrots, celery, and bell peppers into bite-sized sticks or pieces for easy dipping.
- Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
- Transfer the pesto dip to a serving bowl and arrange the toasted baguette slices and crudites around it on a platter.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to dip the baguette slices and crudites into the creamy pesto dip. Enjoy your Italian-inspired appetizer!
Tips
- Use high-quality pesto: The flavor of your dip depends greatly on the pesto, so opt for fresh, homemade pesto or a premium store-bought version.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is soft and at room temperature for smoother mixing and a creamier consistency.
- Toast baguette slices carefully: Watch your bread closely while toasting to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without burning.
- Crudites preparation: Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for an elegant presentation and easy dipping.
- Make ahead option: You can prepare the pesto dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld together even more.
- Customize your dip: Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
