Creamy Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
This creamy pesto and sun-dried tomato spread is the perfect appetizer or snack. It's made with a combination of toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil, and it's spread on top of a layer of softened cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the spread, and the whole thing is refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
According to legend, the first pesto was created by a young Genoese peasant girl who was trying to impress her crush. She combined the ingredients that were readily available to her—basil, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts—and created a fragrant green sauce that is associated with the Liguria region of Italy. Over the years, pesto has evolved into a versatile sauce that can be used in many different dishes, including pasta, pizza, and even as a spread on sandwiches. This particular recipe is a variation on the classic pesto recipe, with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese. The result is a spread that is both creamy and flavorful, and it's perfect for serving with crackers, vegetables, or bread.
Creamy Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread Creamy Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread Creamy Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread Creamy Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 5 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
  1. Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer the pine nuts to a food processor along with the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pulse until coarsely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  5. Stir in the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.
  6. Fold in the parsley.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why It Works
  • The combination of toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil gives the pesto a robust flavor.
  • The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the spread.
  • The cream cheese makes the spread smooth and creamy.
  • Refrigerating the spread for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.