Recipe: Roasted Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Dip with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil
Introduction
Indulge your taste buds with this delectable and creamy dip that combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic and herbs with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes and the freshness of basil. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delicious snack, this recipe will surely impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Ingredients
For the dip:
– 2 heads of garlic
– 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the roasted tomatoes and basil:
– 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Roasting the garlic:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves.
3. Place the garlic heads on a sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Wrap the garlic heads tightly in the foil and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Preparing the dip:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream.
2. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the bowl.
3. Using a fork or a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until well combined and creamy.
4. Add the chopped parsley, chives, and dill to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Roasting the tomatoes:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the tomatoes gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the tomatoes are slightly shriveled and caramelized.
Serving
1. Transfer the prepared dip to a serving bowl.
2. Arrange the roasted tomatoes on top of the dip.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
4. Serve with your choice of crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable sticks.
Conclusion
This Roasted Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Dip with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil is a delightful combination of flavors that will elevate any gathering or snack time. The creamy dip, infused with the richness of roasted garlic and herbs, perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and the freshness of basil. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.