Three Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip

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Three-Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip

When you think of bruschetta, you picture crispy toasted bread topped with juicy tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. This recipe takes those same bright, rustic flavors and transforms them into a bubbly hot dip that’s perfect for sharing. Imagine creamy layers of cheese, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs all scooped up with toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers.

This dip is not only easy to assemble but also incredibly versatile—it works beautifully for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a starter before an Italian dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the tomato mixture

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Toss until well coated, then spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

2. Make the cheese base

In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth. Stir in half of the chopped fresh basil.

3. Assemble the dip

Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a greased baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Spoon the roasted tomato mixture over the top, letting the juices seep into the cheese base. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top.

4. Bake until bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

5. Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven, top with the remaining fresh basil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it extra creamy: Stir 2 tablespoons of sour cream into the cheese mixture for added tang.

  • Add protein: Crumble in crispy pancetta or cooked Italian sausage before baking.

  • Swap cheeses: Try goat cheese instead of ricotta for a sharper flavor, or fontina for extra meltiness.

  • Make it ahead: Prepare the cheese base and roasted tomatoes separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking.

This Three-Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip is the perfect fusion of comfort food and fresh Mediterranean flavors. It delivers all the brightness of bruschetta but in a gooey, decadent form that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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