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This pesto cheese 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.
Updated with new photos and tips November 2019. Originally posted December 2008.
This festive pesto dip recipe with 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!
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!
So often during the holidays we’re looking for a last minute appetizer to bring. Something simple like a goat cheese log that’s easy, looks beautiful and gone within minutes {success!}
This festive pesto dip is the perfect recipe for holiday get-togethers. It’s always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Just 3 ingredients to make this crowd pleasing dip!
- Cream Cheese – I always prefer full fat cream cheese but you do you!
- Pesto – Store bought – use your favorite brand.
- Grape Tomatoes – Fresh and preferably organic.
Variations
- Pesto Rosso – Make this pesto dip with sun dried tomato pesto instead!
- Add Parmesan cheese across the top, before or after baking.
How to Make Pesto Cheese Dip
This hot dip appetizer is so quick to put together!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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.
What to Serve With This Quick Pesto Dip
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!
Can You Make This Appetizer Ahead Of Time?
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. If you serve this dip cold, let it warm to room temperature so that it’s easily spreadable.
Cream Cheese and Pesto Make A Perfect Appetizer Dip
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 5 minute make ahead appetizers! One bite and it will be yours too!
Easy Appetizers to Feed A Crowd
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.
To see how easy this Pesto Dip Recipe is, watch the video below.
Top Tips to Make This 3 Ingredient Dip
- 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.
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!
If you try this pesto cheese dip recipe, please come back to share using my 5 star rating in the comments below! Not only do I appreciate it, but I know readers do, too! For more easy recipes and simple living ideas, subscribe to my newsletter!
You’ll also love this Pesto Cheeseball, Pesto Aioli and Pesto Chicken!
Be Sure To Try These Other Dip Recipes!
- Amazing Corn Dip
- Incredible Artichoke Dip
- Bacon & Gruyere Dip
- Fruit Dip with Mascarpone
- Velveeta Cheese Dip
Pesto Cheese Dip
An easy and delicious appetizer dip that feeds a crowd!YieldIngredients
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened
- 1 small jar pesto
- plum tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spread softened cream cheese in base of small casserole dish.
- Top with a thin layer of pesto.
- Half tomatoes & place on top.
- Bake 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or sliced baguette.
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.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 64kcal (3%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 6g (9%), Saturated Fat: 3g (15%), Cholesterol: 20mg (7%), Sodium: 61mg (3%), Potassium: 26mg (1%), Vitamin A: 255IU (5%), Calcium: 19mg (2%), Iron: 0.1mg (1%)Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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