Tuscan Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
This Tuscan Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or cozy nights in. It combines rich cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, balanced by tangy sun-dried tomatoes and nutritious spinach, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with extra mozzarella for a golden finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Dip Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly and to get a bubbly golden crust.
- Prepare Ingredients: Thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely to evenly distribute flavor.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth and well blended to create a rich and creamy base.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and drained spinach into the cheese mixture, ensuring an even spread of flavors and textures.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the cheese and vegetable mixture into a small baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a melty, golden crust once baked.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Use plain Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream to reduce fat.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the chopped frozen spinach to avoid a watery dip.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and warm flavor.
- This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving.
Keywords: Tuscan cheese dip, sun-dried tomato dip, creamy cheese dip, baked cheese dip, Italian appetizer