This Bruschetta Dip is a tasty blend of fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy cheese, all served in a bowl for easy scooping. It’s perfect for sharing with friends at parties!
Trust me, it’s hard to stop at one scoop! I love serving it with crunchy baguette slices—so good that you’ll want to keep the bowl close! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy tomatoes are essential for that fresh taste! If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just drain them before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
Ricotta Cheese: This cheese gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even Greek yogurt.
Cream Cheese: For a tangy flavor, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or even whipped feta if you’re feeling adventurous.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for better flavor. In a pinch, any neutral oil works, but don’t skimp on drizzling over the dip before serving!
Baguette: While a baguette is perfect, you can use any crusty bread, like ciabatta or sourdough. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free toast or crackers.
How Do I Perfectly Roast Tomatoes for My Dip?
Roasting tomatoes brings out their sweetness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and make sure it’s properly heated before adding the tomatoes.
- Use a baking sheet and spread the tomatoes out evenly—don’t overcrowd them. This ensures they roast instead of steam.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and blistered, turning them halfway through for even roasting!
These tips help guarantee that your tomatoes will achieve that delicious, caramelized flavor that makes the dip stand out.
How to Make Bruschetta Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (some whole on the vine for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling and for toasting bread)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
For the Bread:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds for toasting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bruschetta Dip takes about 30 minutes to prepare, which includes roasting time for the tomatoes, mixing the dip, and toasting the bread. It’s a quick and easy appetizer that packs a lot of flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step to ensure those tomatoes roast perfectly!
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
In a mixing bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and balsamic vinegar if you’re using it. Spread the seasoned tomatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Now it’s time to roast!
3. Roast the Tomatoes:
Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and start to blister. Keep an eye on them! When they’re done, they will be bursting with flavor.
4. Make the Cheese Base:
While the tomatoes are roasting, get a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Season this tasty mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Toast the Baguette:
Take your sliced baguette and lightly brush each slice with olive oil. You can toast the slices under the broiler in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat. Toast them until they’re golden and crispy on both sides. Set aside the toasted slices.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
Once the tomatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and stir in half of the chopped fresh basil. In a shallow oven-safe dish, spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly. Then, spoon the roasted tomatoes on top of the cheese layer. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top, and sprinkle the remaining basil over everything.
7. Heat and Serve:
If you’d like, you can pop the assembled dip back into the oven for about 5 minutes just to warm it through. Once it’s warm, it’s ready to serve!
8. Enjoy:
Serve your bruschetta dip warm alongside the toasted baguette slices. It’s perfect for dipping or spreading, and I’m sure everyone will love it!
Enjoy this flavorful and colorful appetizer that’s reminiscent of classic bruschetta but easy to share and scoop from a bowl!
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness, you can use Roma or heirloom tomatoes as well. Just chop them into smaller pieces to ensure even roasting.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just roast the tomatoes and toast the baguette right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave, and consider adding a splash of olive oil to refresh the dip’s creaminess.
What Should I Serve with Bruschetta Dip?
Besides the toasted baguette slices, you could also serve it with crackers, veggie sticks, or pita chips for a fun twist. Feel free to get creative with your dippables!
