Description
This creamy Tuscan Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. It combines the smooth richness of cream cheese and sour cream with the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a warm, cheesy dip that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or fresh vegetables.
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 the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip until bubbly and golden.
- Mix cream cheese and sour cream: In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese by mixing it with the sour cream or plain Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Add cheeses and seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt to the cream cheese mixture, blending all ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate vegetables: Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and thawed, drained spinach evenly to distribute the flavors throughout the dip.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the dip to create a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Serve warm: Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm with fresh bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; adjust baking time if baking from cold.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh cut vegetables for variety.
Keywords: Tuscan cheese dip, sun-dried tomatoes dip, cheesy appetizer, baked cheese dip, spinach cheese dip, party dip