Baked Bruschetta Dip
Michelle
A warm, bubbling cream cheese base topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic this baked bruschetta dip is the easiest appetizer on your table, and always the first thing to disappear.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
9-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet
Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or sturdy spoon (for the cream cheese base)
Sharp knife and chopping board
Baking sheet (for toasting the baguette, if serving that way)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan grated
- 2 garlic cloves minced (for the base)
- 4 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil torn, plus extra for garnish
- 1 garlic clove minced (for the topping)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette sliced, or crackers, for serving
Prepare the Cheese Base: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with half the mozzarella, the Parmesan, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth and well combined. Spread the mixture evenly into your baking dish, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top and bake for 15–18 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and lightly golden on top. While it bakes, move on to the topping so everything comes together at the same time.
Make the Tomato Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, torn basil, remaining minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss gently. Let it sit at room temperature while the dip finishes baking; the flavours will settle and deepen in that time.
Assemble and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the tomato topping generously over the warm cheese base, leaving any excess liquid behind in the bowl.
Scatter with a little extra basil and serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Keyword Baked Bruschetta Dip