Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Recipe

If you’re craving something irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and utterly crowd-pleasing, you have to try this Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tangy cream cheese and Greek yogurt, layered with vibrant pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, all crowned by a bubbly mozzarella and parmesan topping. This dip effortlessly brightens up any gathering and makes for a comforting snack or appetizer that everyone will keep coming back for. You get that perfect harmony of cheesy richness, herbal freshness, and a hint of spice, baked to golden perfection in just about 35 minutes. Honestly, once you make it, it might become your go-to dip recipe for every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but pack so much punch—each one adds its own special magic to the dip. From the creamy base to the layers of herbs and cheese, every item plays a crucial role in creating the depth of flavor and the irresistible texture of this recipe.

• 250 g softened cream cheese: This creates the rich, velvety foundation for the dip’s creamy texture.
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt: Adds a subtle tanginess and keeps the dip light and smooth.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a gentle but savory garlic punch that builds flavor throughout.
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the other spices beautifully.
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano: Infuses a classic Italian aroma that pairs perfectly with pesto and tomatoes.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes: Provides just enough heat to keep things interesting without stealing the spotlight.
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce, divided: A fragrant blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan that you can’t skip!
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and patted dry to concentrate their sweet and tangy flavor.
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Brings savory sharpness and helps bind the dip together.
• 1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that you’ll want to dig into immediately.
• Fresh basil & chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh finish and an inviting pop of color.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, grab a 9-inch pie plate, or if you prefer, a cast iron skillet or a similarly sized casserole dish—these work wonderfully for even baking and a beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In your chosen dish, combine the softened cream cheese with the Greek yogurt. Sprinkle in garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and chili flakes, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of your luscious pesto, and shredded parmesan cheese. Spread this flavorful mixture evenly across the bottom of your dish for an even layer of cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Layer the Pesto and Cheese

Next, spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the cream cheese base to infuse every bite with vibrant basil notes. Finish by generously sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, creating a gorgeous blanket of melty cheese that will brown beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese with some lovely browned spots around the edges. If you want an extra bubbly and slightly crisp top, finish it off with a quick low broil for 1 to 3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the dip sit for a minute or two to settle, then sprinkle fresh chopped basil and more chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. This adds fresh color, texture, and a bit of brightness that perfectly contrasts the rich, baked layers beneath.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil and additional sun-dried tomatoes are the go-to garnishes that add vibrancy and a fresh herbal note. You can also toss on a pinch of extra chili flakes if you love some heat or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add shine and richness.

Side Dishes

This dip shines when paired with crispy crostini, crunchy pita chips, or an assortment of crackers. Fresh veggies such as sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips also make fantastic dunking partners, balancing each bite with their crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dip in a rustic cast iron skillet right out of the oven for an eye-catching centerpiece. You can also create individual servings by portioning the dip into small ramekins before baking, making it perfect for parties or ninja-level entertaining. For a fun twist, drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for an added crunch and nuttiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any remaining dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing to keep its texture and flavors fresh.

Freezing

This dip freezes surprisingly well if you want to save some for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dip gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly again, about 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent overheating or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto or should I make my own?

Store-bought pesto works wonderfully for this recipe and saves you time; just choose a good-quality one with fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? What can I substitute?

If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can bring a sweet and smoky alternative, though the flavor will be milder and less tangy.

Is this dip suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Absolutely! This recipe is meat-free and features all vegetarian-friendly ingredients, perfect for gatherings where everyone wants to indulge.

Can I make this dip dairy-free?

Since this dip relies heavily on cheese and yogurt for its creamy texture and flavor, making it fully dairy-free would require ingredient swaps like vegan cream cheese and plant-based yogurt, which might alter the taste and texture.

How spicy is the dip with the chili flakes included?

The chili flakes add just a gentle warmth that balances the richness without overpowering, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Recipe. It’s quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect to share with friends or family on any occasion. So go on, gather your ingredients, heat up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dip that’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and totally unforgettable. I promise—it’ll fly off the plate fast!

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