Print

Bruschetta Dip: A Vibrant and Flavorful Appetizer to Delight Your Guests

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Fresh, zesty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor—this Bruschetta Dip is your new go-to appetizer! 🍅🧄 Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and balsamic come together in a bold, refreshing medley that’s perfect for scooping onto crispy toasted bread or crackers. 🥖🌿 It’s bright, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this dip brings serious flavor with minimal effort. A colorful bite of sunshine in every scoop! 🌞✨

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bruschetta:

  • 4 Roma tomatoes, diced

  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 12 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (adjust to taste)

  • Salt, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 8 oz feta cheese block, crumbled

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bruschetta Mixture

    • Start by dicing the Roma tomatoes and placing them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

    • Add the fresh basil leaves and minced garlic to the tomatoes. The basil adds a burst of flavor, while the garlic enhances the overall taste of the dip.

    • Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, and add 1–2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar. Adjust the vinegar depending on how tangy you prefer the dip.

    • Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and stir everything together gently to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the tomatoes release their natural juices, which intensifies the flavor.

  2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

    • In a separate bowl, place the crumbled feta cheese. Using a block of feta (as opposed to pre-crumbled) helps maintain a fresher, creamier texture.

    • Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the bowl. The cream cheese creates a smooth, creamy base, while the sour cream adds tanginess and depth.

    • Stir in the fresh basil and olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix until the ingredients are well combined into a smooth and creamy texture.

  3. Assemble the Dip

    • Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a shallow serving dish. This will serve as the base layer.

    • Once the cheese layer is spread out, spoon the bruschetta mixture over the top. Gently spread it out so that it covers the cheese mixture completely.

    • You’ll notice the juicy tomatoes and vibrant basil will give the dip a pop of color and texture.

  4. Garnish and Serve

    • Garnish the dip with a few more fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of color and flavor.

    • If desired, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the top for added richness and a glossy finish.

    • Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. This dip is meant to be enjoyed fresh, so it’s best to serve it as soon as it’s assembled.

Notes

  • Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference
    The key to a great bruschetta dip lies in the quality of your ingredients. Always opt for ripe, fresh tomatoes, preferably Roma tomatoes, as they have less water content and hold up better in the dip. Fresh basil will give the dip a lovely fragrance, so don’t substitute dried basil for the best result.
  • Balance the Acidity
    The combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar helps to bring out the depth of flavor in this dip. However, the vinegar can be quite sharp, so it’s important to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences. Start with one teaspoon and increase from there if you like more tang.
  • Cream Cheese Softness
    When making the cheese mixture, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. If it’s too cold, the mixture can become lumpy and difficult to blend smoothly. Leave the cream cheese out for about 30 minutes before you begin.
  • Customize the Cheese
    While feta cheese is the star of this dip, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Goat cheese provides a creamier texture with a tangier taste, while ricotta can make the dip lighter and fluffier. Blend different cheeses to find your perfect combination.
  • Make Ahead
    This dip can be prepared in advance, though it’s best to assemble it just before serving to maintain the fresh, vibrant textures of the bruschetta topping. You can prepare the cheese mixture and bruschetta topping separately the night before, then combine them right before serving.
  • Add Extra Flavors
    If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the bruschetta mixture. A drizzle of honey or a few dashes of hot sauce can also add a fun twist to the flavor profile.