Description
Creamy, herbed Mediterranean dip highlights fresh ingredients with irresistible Mediterranean charm. Garlic, herbs, and smooth textures create an elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 package (225 g/8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Dairy Toppings:
- 1 cup (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetable and Garnish Toppings:
- ½ cup (120 grams) salsa or pico de gallo
- ¼ cup (25 grams) sliced green onions
- ¼ cup (25 grams) sliced black olives
- ¼ cup (50 grams) diced tomatoes or bell peppers
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
Instructions
- Craft a velvety foundation by whisking cream cheese and sour cream in a mixing bowl until silky and uniform, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate aromatic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Transfer the seasoned mixture into a serving dish, smoothing it into an even, inviting layer that covers the entire base.
- Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese across the cream cheese surface, creating a golden, appetizing blanket.
- Artfully distribute vibrant salsa or pico de gallo, allowing the fresh ingredients to cascade over the cheese layer.
- Embellish the dip with optional garnishes such as finely chopped green onions, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, or fiery jalapeño slices.
- For enhanced flavor development, allow the dip to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 20-30 minutes, permitting ingredients to meld and intensify.
- Present the dip alongside crunchy tortilla chips, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks, inviting guests to dive into this delectable appetizer.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning by adjusting garlic and onion powder to match your flavor preferences, creating a personalized taste profile.
- Opt for low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to make a lighter, healthier version of this crowd-pleasing dip without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend to add unexpected depth and complexity to the base layer.
- Make the dip vegetarian-friendly by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based and using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg