Best 8 Basil Pesto Cream Cheese Recipes
# Basil Pesto Cream Cheese: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors
Basil pesto cream cheese is a luscious and versatile spread that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, salty Parmesan cheese, and tangy lemon juice, all blended with creamy, tangy cream cheese. This delectable spread can elevate any dish with its unique taste and texture, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. With its vibrant green color, aromatic fragrance, and irresistible flavor, basil pesto cream cheese is a culinary delight that tantalizes the taste buds.
### Recipes Included:
1. **Classic Basil Pesto Cream Cheese:**
This recipe introduces the fundamental method of creating a classic basil pesto cream cheese spread. With step-by-step instructions, this recipe guides you through combining fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and cream cheese until you achieve a smooth and flavorful spread.
2. **Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Cream Cheese:**
This variation adds a smoky and sweet twist to the classic basil pesto cream cheese. Roasted red peppers are incorporated into the pesto, infusing it with a delightful smoky flavor and vibrant red color. Spread it on crackers, use it as a dip for vegetables, or enjoy it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
3. **Lemon-Dill Pesto Cream Cheese:**
This recipe combines the refreshing flavors of lemon and dill, creating a zesty and herbaceous spread. With the addition of lemon zest, dill, and a hint of garlic, this pesto cream cheese becomes a burst of citrusy and aromatic delight. Serve it with crusty bread, bagel chips, or as a filling for sandwiches.
4. **Spicy Chipotle Pesto Cream Cheese:**
This recipe introduces a spicy kick to the classic basil pesto cream cheese. Chipotle peppers add a smoky heat, while a touch of cayenne pepper and cumin provide a subtle warmth. This spread is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice and can be paired with crackers, vegetables, or used as a dip for chicken wings.
5. **Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cream Cheese:**
This variation incorporates the tangy and savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes into the pesto cream cheese. With the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed spinach, and a hint of garlic, this spread becomes a Mediterranean-inspired delight. Enjoy it on crostini, as a filling for stuffed mushrooms, or as a spread for wraps.
BASIL WALNUT SPREAD
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Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a food processor , combine the basil and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, walnuts, olive oil, and a few turns of ground black pepper. Process until smooth.
- Transfer spread mixture to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve with assorted crackers or baguette rounds.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Cholesterol 19 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 145 mg, Fat 18 g, ServingSize 2 cups (16 servings), UnsaturatedFat 12 g
PESTO CREAM CHEESE DIP
Quick and easy! 2 ingredients + 25 minutes = yummy. You may use pre-made pesto from the store, or you can make your own (preferred) using one of the recipes on this site; try the one titled 'Easy Pesto'. A great new way to use all that basil in the garden! Serve with toasted slices of French bread.
Provided by lil deb
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Spread cream cheese evenly in the bottom of an 8-inch round baking dish. Layer pesto evenly over cream cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.2 g, Cholesterol 74.9 mg, Fat 38.5 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 17.4 g, Sodium 483.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
FRESH BASIL PESTO
A great recipe for fresh basil pesto with just the right amounts of everything. Even my DH loves it!
Provided by Klantz
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine basil, oil, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender; puree until smooth. Stir in Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 10.3 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 186.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
BASIL PESTO
Basil pesto is extremely versatile! It enhances the flavor for all dishes like steak, chicken, fish, vegetables, and pasta! After the ingredients are combined and formed into a tube shape, simply slice whatever size portion you need and freeze the rest! Easy-breezy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
Provided by Bwoogie1
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Pulse until mixture becomes smooth and blended.
- Pour mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap; roll into a tube shape and seal. Store in the refrigerator until needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.1 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 87.2 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
BASIL PESTO & CREAM CHEESE
Steps:
- Spread crackers with cream cheese spread.
- Top with pesto.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 220 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 1 g
BASIL CREAM CHEESE PESTO FILLED TOMATOES
Steps:
- In a food processor fitted with metal blade puree basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and cream cheese to make a paste.
- To hollow out cherry tomatoes, cut a cone shape out of the stem end of the tomato with a sharp paring knife.
- Fill tomatoes with "pesto" using a pastry bag fitted with a large nozzle.
PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD
This is a terrific appetizer to serve when hosting an Italian-theme-meal. People may be a little hesitant to try it, but once they dip in, they won't be able to stop! -Cynthia Emshoff, Sarasota, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 15m
Yield about 1-1/2 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 11
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.
Nutrition Facts :
CREAMY PESTO SAUCE
Lovingly known as just 'green spaghetti' in our family, this pesto is unique because of the addition of cream cheese which gives it a great creamy texture (plus no pine nuts!).
Provided by *DW*
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the basil leaves and cook until tender and bright green, 2 to 5 minutes. Drain basil, reserving 2 tablespoons of the basil water.
- Blend basil, 2 tablespoons basil water, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, butter, and garlic in a blender until smooth and creamy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.9 calories, Carbohydrate 0.9 g, Cholesterol 16.3 mg, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 147.8 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
Tips:
- Use fresh basil. Fresh basil has the best flavor, so if you can, use it in your pesto cream cheese. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Don't over-process the pesto. When you're making the pesto, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until they are just combined. If you over-process the pesto, it will become bitter.
- Use a good quality cream cheese. The cream cheese is the base of the pesto cream cheese, so it's important to use a good quality cream cheese. Look for a cream cheese that is smooth and creamy, and that has a rich flavor.
- Let the pesto cream cheese chill before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pesto cream cheese to firm up.
Conclusion:
Pesto cream cheese is a delicious and versatile spread that can be used in a variety of ways. It's perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and crackers. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or fruits. No matter how you choose to use it, pesto cream cheese is sure to be a hit!
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