Sundried Tomato Pesto Cream Cheese Spread Food

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND PESTO CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• 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.
• Coarsely chop sun-dried tomatoes in the food processor. Mix in tomato paste and 1/3 cup cream cheese. Blend until smooth.
• Place 2 cups cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Line dish with plastic wrap so that the wrap extends over sides of the dish.
• 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.
• Carefully invert dish onto a platter and remove plastic to serve.

ANTIPASTO LOAF

Steps:

• Cut baguette lengthwise in half. Remove soft insides from both bread halves. (Reserve removed bread for another use.)
• Mix cream cheese spread and pesto; spread onto insides of bread shells. Fill with tomatoes, artichokes, Parmesan and spinach.
• Reassemble baguette; wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO

Steps:

• Place sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and cover with warm water for 5 minutes, or until tender.
• In a food processor or blender combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parsley, garlic, pine nuts and onion; process until well blended. Add vinegar, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and red wine, and process. Stir in olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste.

BAKED PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO APPETIZER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Unroll crescent dough; separate into four rectangles. Place two of the rectangles, side-by-side, on nonstick baking sheet. Firmly press seams and perforations together to seal. Reserve remaining dough for decorative garnish.
• Cut block of cream cheese horizontally in half. Spread pesto onto bottom half of cream cheese; cover with tomatoes. Top with remaining cream cheese to form sandwich. Place in center of dough. Bring up ends of dough around all sides of cream cheese to enclose completely; pinch ends of dough together to seal. Place, seam-side down, on baking sheet. Cut remaining crescent dough into small fun shapes, such as leaves or fruit. Arrange on top of dough.
• Bake 20 min. Serve warm with assorted crackers and fresh vegetables.

LAYERED PESTO & SUN DRIED TOMATO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Line a medium glass bowl with plastic wrap, one that holds roughly three cups, leaving excess wrap overlapping the bowls edges. Set aside
• Add the cream cheese and butter to a medium mixing bowl, and using a hand mixer cream them together until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, stir together the pesto and Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated.
• Layer half of the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the bowl, using a spoon or spatula to gently spread out evenly.
• Spread half the pesto evenly out over top, followed by the sun dried tomatoes. Repeat the layers.
• Cover with the excess plastic wrap to seal, and refrigerate for at least an hour but up to four hours.
• When ready to serve, carefully use the plastic wrap to remove the cheese mold from the bowl. Set it upside down (the larger end) onto a serving plate and carefully remove the plastic wrap. Discard the wrap.
• Serve with assorted crackers or pretzels of choice.

TOMATO AND PESTO LAYERED DIP

Steps:

• Spray a 9-inch spring-form pan with cooking spray. Line with plastic wrap for easy removal. In a blender or food processor, combine the butter, feta cheese, cream cheese, garlic, shallot, vermouth, vodka and white pepper. Process until smooth. Layer the dip into pan as follows: Sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, pesto, cheese mixture. Repeat. Pat down into pan and refrigerate for at least one hour. Turn the dip out onto a serving plate, and remove plastic wrap. Serve with Melba toast or toasted baguette slices.

PESTO PENNE PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• Combine the basil, garlic, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor and blend until well combined and has the texture of fresh pesto; set aside.
• Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta in boiling water until cooked yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil over the pasta and toss to coat; set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Roast the pine nuts in the skillet until lightly browned; remove to a plate and set aside. Add the asparagus, zucchini, Kalamata olives, roasted red pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet; cook and stir until hot, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the pine nuts into the vegetable mixture. Add the pasta and about 1/4 cup of the pesto, or more to your liking, to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve in bowls topped with the grated Parmesan cheese.

5-MINUTE SUN-DRIED TOMATO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Place cream cheese on plate.
• Top with pesto.

GOAT CHEESE, PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO TERRINE

Steps:

• In a small dry pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until lightly golden brown. Remove from the heat and pour onto a plate to cool. (The nuts will continue to cook after you remove them from the heat so be sure that you don't let them brown too much - they can easily burn!)
• Line a 2 cup bowl (try to use a bowl with sharply sloped sides) with a piece of plastic wrap. (Be sure to cut a large enough piece of plastic wrap that you have several inches of plastic wrap extended over the sides of the bowl.)
• In a large mixing bowl with a fork, mash together the goat cheese, ¼ cup of cream, salt and a few grinds of black pepper and mix until well blended. If the goat cheese seems very dry, add up to another ¼ cup of cream - you want the mixture to be soft but not soggy.
• Spoon about 1/3rd of the goat cheese into the lined bowl, pressing down gently with a spoon to pack the cheese into an even layer. The spread the pesto over the cheese covering it completely (you will want some of the basil to peak out of the finished terrine, so make sure the pesto reaches the outer edges). Then top the pesto with another 1/3rd of the cheese (I found it helpful to drop the cheese with a teaspoon all over the pesto and then gently spread to cover the pesto evenly). Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes in a layer and sprinkle with all but about ½ tablespoon of the toasted pine nuts. Finally, add the remaining layer of goat cheese.
• Fold the plastic wrap edges over the top of the final layer of cheese and gently pack down. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (may be refrigerated for longer).
• About a ½ hour before serving, remove the terrine from the refrigerator. Place the bowl in a shallow bowl of very warm water for about 30 seconds (you only want the warm water to go halfway up the bowl). Then pull on the edges of the plastic wrap to loosen the terrine from the bowl.
• Place your serving dish over the glass bowl, making sure that the plastic edges are not under the terrine. Then invert the terrine onto your serving dish. If the terrine does not slide out immediately, leave it inverted for about a minute to allow the weight of the terrine to break the suction in the bottom of the bowl. If it still doesn't come out, try placing the bowl in warm water again and repeat the above steps.
• Once the terrine is out, gently peel off the plastic wrap. Drizzle with a little olive oil and let sit for half an hour to warm up. Sprinkle with the remaining pine nuts and some freshly ground black pepper. Serve with crackers or sliced bread.

PESTO & SUN-DRIED TOMATO SPREAD

Steps:

• cream together the cheeses, until well blended.
• add the pesto and tomatoes.
• put into a serving dish/shape into a rectangle.
• top with walnuts.
• chill and serve.

GOAT CHEESE, SUN-DRIED TOMATO, AND PESTO TORTA

Steps:

• Mix goat cheese and cream cheese in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine goat-cream cheese mixture with the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and vinegar in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (again).
• Line a 2-cup ramekin or a small bowl with plastic wrap, extending the wrap over the sides. spray the plastic wrap with vegetable oil cooking spray. Spread half the goat-cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the ramekin. Cover with pesto, then with the cheese tomato mixture. top with remaining goat cheese mixture. Fold wrap over the final cheese layer and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 1/2 hours.
• Invert the torta onto a platter and peel off the plastic wrap. Garnish with basil and serve with baguette slices.
• **The torta can be made 2days ahead and refrigerated. This torta can be so gorgeous if you pay attention to making clean, well defined layers.

PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Line a 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pan with plastic wrap. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic powder until blended; set aside. In another small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, butter, parsley, garlic, basil and marjoram until blended. Stir in walnuts. Gradually stir in oil., Spread about 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture in prepared pan. Carefully spread with a third of the Parmesan mixture. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Unmold; serve with crackers.

PESTO BREAD WREATH RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Make the dough: In a small bowl, stir together the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Set aside until frothy, about 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, lemon zest, and remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Use a wooden spoon to stir until a shaggy mass forms.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it springs back when pressed, 5-10 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a large bowl lightly greased with nonstick spray. Cover the bowl and place in a warm spot until the dough is doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto: In a blender, combine the pepitas, basil, Parmesan, salt, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend on medium speed until the ingredients are finely chopped. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until incorporated.
• Assemble the wreath: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
• Spread the softened cream cheese across the dough to cover completely. Spread the pesto evenly over the cream cheese. Sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes over the pesto.
• Starting from a long end, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam closed. Turn the log seam-side down and use a serrated knife to cut lengthwise into 3 long pieces. Braid the pieces together, then bring the ends together to form a wreath. Carefully transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Brush beaten egg all over the wreath.
• Bake the wreath until golden brown, about 40 minutes.
• Slice and serve.
• Enjoy!

SUN-DRIED TOMATO CREAM CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients and stir together.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND PESTO TORTA

Steps:

• Finely chop garlic in processor. Add basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, oil and lemon juice. Process until well blended. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Using on/off turns, process just until blended. Transfer pesto to medium bowl.
• Coarsely chop tomatoes in processor. Add tomato paste and process until mixture is almost smooth. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese and blend well.
• Using electric mixer, beat 2 cups cream cheese and butter in large bowl until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spray 6-cup soufflé dish with nonstick spray. Line with plastic wrap, extending plastic over sides. Spread 3/4 cup cream cheese-butter mixture evenly over bottom of prepared dish. Top with half of tomato mixture, then 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture, then half of pesto mixture. Repeat layering with 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture, remaining tomato mixture, 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture and remaining pesto. Top with remaining cream cheese-butter mixture. Cover and chill overnight. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
• Invert torta onto platter. Peel off plastic. Garnish with basil sprigs and toasted pine nuts. Serve with baguette slices.

LAYERED PESTO CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Line a 3-cup bowl with plastic wrap; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. In another bowl, combine pesto and Parmesan cheese. Layer half of the cream cheese mixture, pesto mixture and sun-dried tomatoes in prepared bowl. Repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Unmold onto a serving plate. Serve with crackers.

PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Mix cream cheese and goat cheese together.
• Use a small bowl or pan as a mold for your cheese spread. Spary a small amount of cooking spray on the inside of the container and then line it with plastic wrap.
• Layer the ingredients into the dish beginning with the cheese (the layer should be about 1/2" thick).
• Next add a layer of basil pesto.
• Place a second layer of cheese on top of the pesto being careful not to press down too hard.
• Top with a layer of sun dried tomato spread.
• Finish with a final layer of cheese.
• Wrap the mold in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
• When ready to serve unwrap the mold and turn it upside down on the plate it will be served on. Pull down on the plastic wrap lining the mold to help pull the cheese free of the mold.
• Using a butter knife or spatula scrape the sides and top of the cheese spread to clean off any excess oil or pesto.
• Top with pine nuts (optional)
• Serve with crackers or bread.

LAYERED SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND ARTICHOKE SPREAD

Steps:

• Cut cream cheese horizontally into 3 slices. (See Tip.) Place 1 slice on large sheet of plastic wrap; top with tomatoes and second cream cheese slice.
• Combine artichokes and pesto; spoon over second cream cheese layer.
• Top with remaining cream cheese slice, nuts and parsley; press nuts and parsley lightly into cream cheese to secure. Wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour.

BAKED SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND PESTO CREAM CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pesto and half of the cream cheese (4 ounces). Spread the cream cheese and pesto mixture on the bottom of a small baker (a 2-cup baker works well).
• In a second mixing bowl, or the same bowl*, combine the remaining cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, sour cream, garlic, and dried herbs. Mix well. Spread evenly over pesto mixture.
• Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Note cook time may vary depending on the size of your baking dish. Let the dip sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and additional sun-dried tomatoes as desired (pine nuts are yummy, too!).
• Meanwhile, if serving with a baguette, I highly recommend placing it in the oven while the dip rests to warm. Slice and serve with the dip.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO DIP

Steps:

• Puree the tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, red pepper sauce, salt and pepper in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add the scallions and pulse twice. Serve at room temperature.

CHEESE, PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO TORTA

Steps:

• Finely chop garlic cloves in food processor; add basil, nuts, oil and lemon juice; Process until well blended; Add 1/3c cream cheese, all of parmesan cheese, and pulse until just blended; turn into a medium bowl and set aside.
• Coarsely chop tomatoes in food processor; add tomato paste and blend until mixture is almost smooth; add 1/3c cream cheese and blend well; transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix remaining softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy; season with salt and pepper.
• Spray 6c straight sided dish (such as a souffle dish or springform pan) with non-stick pan spray, line with plastic wrap (I line pan with at least two layers of it) allowing wrap to drape over the sides.
• Without worrying about keeping the layers perfect, spread 3/4c cream cheese/butter mixture evenly over prepared dish with a spoon dipped in hot water; top with half of the tomato mixture, then 1/2c of cream cheese mixture, then half the pesto mixture.
• Repeat layering with 1/2c cream cheese mixture, remaining tomato mixture, 1/2c cream cheese mixture, remaining pesto, then remaining cream cheese mixture; Cover and chill 6hrs or overnight.
• Invert torta onto serving platter, carefully peel away plastic wrap, and serve.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO, PESTO CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• In a food processor blend cream cheese and 10 tomatoes.
• Mix in rest of the tomatoes.
• Layer half of cheese mixture on to serving platter.
• spread half of the pesto repeat with rest of cheese and pesto.
• Serve with crackers, grilled chicken or fresh veggies.

GOAT CHEESE PESTO SUN-DRIED TOMATO SPREAD (MAKE AHEAD)

Steps:

• Line an 8 x 4 loaf pan with plastic wrap.
• Process the first five ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
• Spread one-third of the cheese mixture in the lined pan.
• Top with the pesto.
• Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over pesto.
• Spread the chopped, drained sun dried tomatoes next.
• Top with the remaining cheese mixture.
• Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or up to 2 days).
• Invert spread onto serving plate. Garnish, if desired, with tomato slivers and/or herb leaves.
• Serve with french bread slices (or crackers).

SUNDRIED TOMATO AND BASIL CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Mix all three ingredients by hand and serve as a topping to toasted bagels.