This cream cheese pesto dip is so easy and quick to make. It’s the perfect appetizer for the holidays, game days or general entertaining.
You need just three ingredients for this simple recipe that’s perfect for a crowd. Full of flavor, you can serve this as a hot dip or make it ahead of time.
This festive cream cheese pesto dip recipe was introduced to me years ago by a friend. If you even remotely like pesto you will love this festive cheese dip!
It takes just five minutes hands-on time to prepare and is so incredibly delicious, and pretty to serve, too!
I love pesto so much- that basil flavor is so fragrant and delicious at any time of year. I’ve brought you an incredible homemade basil pesto recipe, pesto aioli, and even pesto pasta!
I love how full of flavor this dip is with so little effort! It’s fresh and bright whilst being creamy and indulgent all at the same time!
The cream cheese provides a perfect balance for the pesto and it’s topped off with those juicy tomatoes. It’s another one of my favorite five minute make-ahead appetizers! One bite and it will be yours too!
Cream Cheese Pesto Dip
So often during the holidays we’re looking for a last minute appetizer to bring. Something simple like a dip that’s easy to make, looks beautiful and is gone within minutes (success!).
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
When you’re entertaining, you don’t want to spend more time in the kitchen than with your guests, so this dip is a great option to add to your menu. This recipe makes enough for 12 servings and it’s easily doubled if you are hosting more people.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cream Cheese – I always prefer full fat cream cheese but you do you!
- Pesto – Store bought or fresh – use your favorite brand or see our recipe variations below.
- Grape Tomatoes – Fresh and preferably organic.
Variations
- Parsley – Switch the basil in your pesto, and make a parsley pesto or even arugula pesto!
- Nuts – Skip them for a Nut Free Pesto or make a walnut pesto or pistachio pesto if you don’t have any pine nuts on hand.
- Pesto Rosso – Add sun dried tomatoes to your pesto.
- Add Parmesan cheese across the top, before or after baking.
How to Make
This hot dip appetizer is so quick to put together!
- Preheat oven.
- Spread softened cream cheese in base of small casserole dish.
- Top with a thin layer of pesto.
- Halve tomatoes and place on top.
- Bake as directed. Serve and enjoy!
Tips
- You can use a low fat cream cheese if you wish, to lower fat and calories content.
- Use a good quality pesto that has a great flavor, or make your own!
- If you plan on serving it straight away, let it cool for five minutes before serving.
- If you are making it ahead of time, let it cool to room temperature and then cover and store in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip with all of your usual accouterments:
- Sliced baguette
- Pita Chips
- Crudite
- Croutons
- Toasted Bread
- Tortilla chips
Give me all the pesto everything! Have you ever made my pesto chicken? You have to try it- such an easy weeknight dinner option! And don’t forget my pesto aioli, the ultimate sauce for dipping!
Make Ahead
- I like this pesto cheese dip served warm, a few minutes out of the oven, but it can also be made as a bake and take.
- You can also prep the dish earlier in the day and cover it in the fridge to pop into the oven just before serving. Just combine ingredients and bake when you’re ready to serve. It will keep for 3+ days covered and refrigerated.
- If you serve this dip cold, let it warm to room temperature so that it’s easily spreadable.
How to Store
- Room Temperature – This dip can sit out safely while serving for up to two hours maximum.
- Refrigerate – Store this cream cheese pesto dip, tightly covered for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm through in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezer – Cream cheese dips don’t generally freeze well, as the consistency will change with defrosting.
Curious about freezing your cream cheese recipes? Read more in Can you Freeze Cream Cheese to learn all about what works and what doesn’t!
More Pesto Inspiration
Cream Cheese Pesto Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup store bought pesto (most jars are 6-8 ounces)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Spread softened cream cheese in base of small casserole dish.
- Top with a thin layer of pesto.
- Halve tomatoes and place on top.
- Bake 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips, crostini or sliced baguette.
Julie’s Tips
- You can use a low fat cream cheese if you wish, to lower fat and calories content.
- Use a good quality pesto that has a great flavor, or make your own!
- If you plan on serving it straight away, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- If you are making it ahead of time, let it cool to room temperature and then cover and store in the fridge.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
This is my go-to easy appetizer that everyone raves about. Delicious and simple! I just place the blocks of cream cheese in the casserole dish and spoon the pesto over. Thanks for a great recipe!
Hi Peg,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review – so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I hope you have a wonderful week.
Julie