This roasted red pepper goat cheese pesto dip is creamy, zesty, and full of flavor! It’s a perfect mix of tangy goat cheese, sweet peppers, and aromatic basil. Yum!
Making this dip is a breeze; just blend the ingredients and serve! I love to enjoy it with crunchy veggies or warm pita chips. It’s delightful—and trust me, you won’t be able to stop dipping! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roasted Red Bell Peppers: These give a sweet and smoky flavor. You can use jarred ones for convenience, or roast fresh ones yourself for a deeper taste. If you don’t have red peppers, yellow or orange peppers will work too!
Goat Cheese: This adds creaminess and tang. If you don’t like goat cheese, cream cheese or ricotta can be used instead, but keep in mind the flavor will change slightly. You could also try feta for a saltier twist.
Fresh Basil: Basil brings a fresh, aromatic touch. If you’re out of fresh basil, try using spinach or even arugula, which adds a different peppery flavor. Dried basil works too, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Nuts: Pine nuts offer a buttery taste in the pesto. Walnuts are a good substitute if you want a nuttier flavor. If allergies are a concern, leave them out, and the pesto will still be delicious!
How Do I Smoothly Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor?
Getting the right consistency is key in this dip. Start with the roasted red pepper and cheese mixture; pulse until it’s completely blended and smooth. It should have a creamy texture without lumps.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best blending.
- Add the ingredients in stages, starting with the softer items (like cheese) followed by the firmer ones (like nuts and garlic).
- Scrape down the sides of the processor with a spatula during blending to ensure everything gets mixed well.
Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Pesto Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 large roasted red bell peppers (jarred or homemade), drained
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
For the Pesto:
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Seasonings and Garnish:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up, and then all you need to do is serve it fresh! Save some time for toasting your baguette slices or arranging your crackers while you blend those ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Base:
Start by placing the roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and cream cheese into a food processor. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined—no lumps allowed! Once it’s nice and creamy, season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Transfer this mixture into a serving bowl and spread it out evenly on the bottom.
2. Prepare the Pesto:
In the same food processor (no need to clean it, yay for less dishes!), add the fresh basil, your choice of nuts (pine nuts or walnuts), garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse everything together until it’s finely chopped but still has some texture—this is your yummy pesto!
3. Add Olive Oil:
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Keep mixing until you reach a smooth pesto consistency! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little heat. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Assemble the Dip:
Spoon some dollops or pretty ribbons of the pesto over the goat cheese mixture. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the pesto into the dip—it’s okay if it’s a little marble-like; it looks beautiful!
5. Garnish:
For a pop of color, add some strips of roasted red peppers on top and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for garnish. A light drizzle of olive oil will make it glisten and look extra delicious.
6. Serve:
Gather your toasted baguette slices or crackers and arrange them around the bowl. Serve immediately at your next gathering or enjoy it all to yourself—no judgment here! Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dip that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Nuts in the Pesto?
Absolutely! While pine nuts are traditional, you can easily substitute walnuts or even almonds. Just make sure they’re roasted for the best flavor. If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit the nuts altogether!
What Should I Serve with This Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or pita chips. For a healthier option, you can also serve it with fresh veggies like cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and consider adding a fresh drizzle of olive oil and garnish for a lively presentation.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving again, stir it to bring everything back together. You can also add a splash of olive oil to refresh the texture!
