Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing

Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing is a delicious and creamy dip that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a simple snack. The combination of creamy Philadelphia cheese, fresh tomatoes, zesty Italian dressing, and fragrant basil creates a flavorful and satisfying dip that is sure to be a hit with everyone.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic Philadelphia cream cheese dip, which has been a popular party appetizer for decades. By adding fresh tomatoes, Italian dressing, and basil, this recipe takes the traditional dip to a whole new level of flavor and freshness.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) package of softened Philadelphia neufchatel cheese
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp zesty italian dressing
0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tbsp finely chopped basil

How to prepare

Spread the cheese evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes and dressing, then spoon the mixture over the cheese.
Sprinkle the parmesan and basil on top.
Serve with crackers or assorted cut up vegetables.

Variations

Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
Mix in chopped green onions or chives for added freshness.
Substitute the Italian dressing with balsamic glaze for a sweeter twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened Philadelphia cheese for easy spreading.

- Chop the tomatoes finely for a smoother texture in the dip.

- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if needed.

- Serve the dip with a variety of crackers or cut up vegetables for a colorful and tasty presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing with a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or cut up vegetables for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, simply mix the ingredients together and serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute Philadelphia cheese with any other cream cheese brand.

- Use cherry tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.

- Replace parmesan cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dip pairs well with a variety of beverages such as white wine, beer, or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dip is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Philadelphia cheese) and may contain allergens such as milk and cheese.

Summary

Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing is a creamy and flavorful dip that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a great option for a snack or appetizer.

Summary

Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing is a delicious and creamy dip that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh and flavorful ingredients, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or cut up vegetables for a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Philadelphia. Maria was an amazing cook and always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on iced tea and catching up, she suddenly pulled out a hand-written recipe card and handed it to me with a mischievous smile.

"Try this out, it's my latest creation - Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting this unique flavor combination. Cream cheese, fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and tangy Italian dressing - it sounded like a match made in culinary heaven.

Maria had learned the recipe from her Italian grandmother, who had passed down her love for cooking and traditional flavors. I could see the pride in Maria's eyes as she talked about how she had put her own twist on the recipe, adding her own special touch to make it even more delicious.

I couldn't wait to try it out for myself, so I thanked Maria profusely and promised to make it for our next gathering with friends. As I carefully tucked the recipe card into my purse, I felt a surge of inspiration and excitement at the thought of recreating this mouthwatering dish in my own kitchen.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. I chopped the fresh basil, diced the ripe tomatoes, and whipped the cream cheese into a smooth and creamy base. The aroma of the herbs and spices filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

As I drizzled the zesty Italian dressing over the dip and garnished it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, I knew I had created something truly special. The colors and flavors blended together beautifully, creating a dish that was as visually stunning as it was delicious.

When my family gathered around the table to taste the Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing, their eyes widened in delight at the first bite. The creamy texture of the cheese, the burst of freshness from the basil and tomatoes, and the tangy kick of the dressing all worked together perfectly to create a flavor explosion in our mouths.

I could see the joy and satisfaction in their faces as they savored each bite, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated Maria's recipe. It was a dish that brought us all together, sparking conversations and laughter as we shared in the simple pleasure of good food and good company.

From that day on, the Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing became a staple at our family gatherings and parties. It was a dish that always brought smiles to our faces and satisfied our appetites, reminding us of the special bond we shared through the love of food and cooking.

As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touch and experimenting with different variations. Each time I made the dip, I felt a connection to Maria and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of their culinary wisdom and inspiration.

Now, whenever I make the Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing, I think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where my love for cooking and creating delicious dishes was ignited. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with the ones we love.