Barefoot Contessa’s Dreamy Sun Dried Tomato Dip Recipe

Every summer gathering deserves a standout Barefoot Contessa sun-dried tomato dip that makes people swoon with delight.

Fresh herbs and tangy ingredients blend seamlessly to create a creamy, vibrant appetizer.

Ina Garten’s style shines through in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

The rich, robust flavors promise to spark conversation at any party or potluck.

Smooth cream cheese provides a luxurious base while sun-dried tomatoes deliver an intense, concentrated punch of Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Guests will be reaching for crackers, bread, and vegetables to scoop up every last delicious bite.

This dip turns ordinary moments into memorable culinary experiences that everyone will remember.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Sun Dried Tomato Dip

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, velvety foundation that helps bind the dip together, ensuring a smooth and luxurious texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy brightness and helps create a lighter, more spreadable consistency.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the silky texture and enhances the overall creaminess of the dip.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Deliver an intense, concentrated tomato flavor with a slightly sweet and slightly tart profile, bringing depth to the dip.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a subtle kick of heat that elevates the entire flavor experience.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients' natural flavors.

• Spring Onions: Provide a crisp, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, adding freshness and visual appeal to the dip.

Equipment Checklist for Sun Dried Tomato Dip

• Food Processor: Essential for blending all ingredients into a smooth, creamy dip.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for transferring and serving the dip.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice spring onions finely and precisely.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping down sides of food processor and transferring dip to serving bowl.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Dip Easily

• Tomato Preparation

Gather sun-dried tomatoes and slice them carefully to release their intense, sweet flavor profile. These vibrant gems will become the heart of your delicious dip.

• Creamy Fusion

Combine rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and smooth mayonnaise in a food processor. Blend these ingredients until they create a silky, luxurious base that will make your taste buds dance.

• Flavor Boost

Sprinkle in a dash of hot sauce, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. These subtle touches will elevate the dip from ordinary to extraordinary, giving it a zesty kick that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• Green Accent

Fold in freshly chopped spring onions for a crisp, sharp note that brings brightness and texture to the creamy mixture. A quick pulse in the processor will integrate these green beauties perfectly.

• Serving Suggestion

Transfer the dip to a beautiful serving bowl, allowing it to rest at room temperature. Surround it with an array of crunchy crackers, crisp vegetable sticks, or artisan crisps for a stunning appetizer that’ll impress your guests.

Flavor Variations and Tricks for Sun Dried Tomato Dip

• Mix in chopped fresh basil or oregano for an herbal Mediterranean twist that brightens the entire flavor profile.
• Add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that transforms the creamy base into a more dynamic appetizer.
• Prepare the dip 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to intensify and meld together beautifully.
• Fold in toasted pine nuts or chopped capers just before serving to introduce a delightful crunch and additional salty complexity to the smooth dip.

Ways to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Dip

• Dip into Appetizer Platters: Create stunning appetizer boards by arranging colorful vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers around the sun-dried tomato dip for a vibrant and fresh presentation.
• Spread on Rustic Bread: Slather this creamy dip onto toasted sourdough or artisan bread slices for a gourmet lunch or quick snack that bursts with tangy and rich flavors.
• Pair with Crispy Crackers: Select an assortment of crackers like water crackers, wheat thins, or seed-based crackers to provide delightful crunch and complement the smooth texture of the dip.
• Elevate Sandwich Spread: Use this zesty dip as a flavorful alternative to mayonnaise or mustard, spreading it inside wraps, sandwiches, or grilled paninis for an extra kick of taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Info for Sun Dried Tomato Dip

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its vibrant flavors and creamy texture intact.
• Prep Ahead: Make the dip 1-2 days before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delicious appetizer.
• Serving Strategy: Remove the dip from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its spreadable consistency.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, the dip's texture might slightly separate, so fresh preparation is recommended for the best taste and smoothness.

Velvety Barefoot Contessa Sun Dried Tomato Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s sun-dried tomato dip blends Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures for an irresistible appetizer. Guests will love this quick, elegant spread that pairs perfectly with crisp crackers or fresh vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 225 grams (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 120 milliliters (4 fl oz) sour cream
• 120 milliliters (4 fl oz) good-quality mayonnaise
• 60 grams (2.1 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (about 8 tomatoes)
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 10 dashes hot red pepper sauce

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Instructions

1. Blend Base: Pulse sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper in a food processor until achieving a velvety, harmonious texture.
2. Integrate Onions: Swiftly pulse spring onions into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed while maintaining their delicate integrity.
3. Serve and Savor: Decant the creamy concoction into a serving vessel, allowing it to rest at ambient temperature for enhanced flavor depth and luxurious spreadability. Pair with an array of artisan crackers, crisp vegetable crudités, or rustic tortilla chips for a captivating culinary experience.

Notes

• Texture Triumph: Blend ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform consistency for the smoothest possible dip experience.
• Temperature Technique: Allow the dip to rest at room temperature before serving to enhance flavor complexity and improve spreadability.
• Onion Incorporation: Pulse spring onions gently to maintain their fresh texture and prevent over-processing.
• Serve Smart: Pair with a variety of crisp accompaniments like artisan crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or crunchy tortilla chips to complement the creamy dip’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg