Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cheese Spread Recipe
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Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cheese Spread

By: Carol A. 
"This is an incredible cheese spread. With the red of the sun-dried tomatoes and the green of the pesto, it makes for a beautiful Christmas appetizer. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and sprigs of basil. Serve with crackers."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.7 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (31)

What to Drink?

Wine Sauvignon Blanc
Prep Time:
45 Min
Ready In:
8 Hrs 45 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 6.5 cups
 

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 2/3 cups softened cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/3 cups sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Chop the garlic in a food processor. Mix in basil, lemon juice, pine nuts and olive oil. Process until well blended. Mix in 1/3 cup cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Blend using pulse setting until almost smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl.
  2. Coarsely chop sun-dried tomatoes in the food processor. Mix in tomato paste and 1/3 cup cream cheese. Blend until smooth.
  3. Place 2 cups cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Line dish with plastic wrap so that the wrap extends over sides of the dish.
  5. Evenly spread 3/4 cup cream cheese and butter mixture in the prepared dish. Layer alternately with 1/2 the sun-dried tomato mixture, 1/2 cup cream cheese and butter mixture and 1/2 the pesto mixture. Repeat layering, topping with remaining cream cheese and butter mixture. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight.
  6. Carefully invert dish onto a platter and remove plastic to serve.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 83 | Total Fat: 8.2g | Cholesterol: 21mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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 view all reviews »  

The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 26, 2005 by COOKOFTHEHOUSE   view full review
Very tasty and lovely creation. I had to give this 4 *'s due to its richness. I had my...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 16, 2005 by rudechack   view full review
Although I did not get to try this myself, everyone raved about it at my party. I served it...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 8, 2005 by D.Nicely   view full review
This was very good. Instead of layering in a baking dish, I choose to split the recipe and...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 18, 2005 by Julie   view full review
I made this recipe for my Christmas Party - I followed the instructions exactly - it was a...
The reviewer gave this recipe 1 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 3, 2006 by PAMELA04   view full review
Unlike others, I did not enjoy making this recipe, also find it expensive. It was tedious. I...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 6, 2005 by KIMMYKUP   view full review
MOST EXCELLENT! This spread is so full of flavor that it's sinful! A little goes a long way,...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 2, 2005 by Jenni   view full review
This is so good, the first time I made it I was asked to make it again for the next get...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 26, 2005 by RC   view full review
I made this for a holiday party with great success. The colors are perfect for Christmas. By...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 1, 2005 by MDAHLE   view full review
Love it! Instead of crackers I use pita bread cut up into triangles.
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 10, 2005 by CrystalGayle   view full review
my new favorite cheese spread! so simple & delish! thanks

 

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