Name: Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (preferably oil-packed); 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste); Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a snack that combines rich, vibrant flavors with gooey, cheesy goodness, look no further than Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip. This dazzling dip is a crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances creamy melted cheese, herbal pesto, and the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a cozy evening treat, or simply want to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers every single time.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Flavor Boost: The combination of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes creates a complex yet approachable flavor that excites your taste buds.
Perfect Party Starter: It’s easy to prepare and always vanishes quickly at gatherings, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy Comfort: The bubbly, golden baked cheese topping adds a cozy, indulgent touch that makes every bite irresistible.
Versatile Snack. Whether paired with bread, veggies, or crackers, this dip fits any occasion or craving.
Quick to Make: With a few simple steps, you’ll have a gourmet-level dip ready to enjoy without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip was thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and a variety of appealing textures. From creamy cheeses to vibrant pesto, the components blend beautifully to create a visually stunning and mouthwatering dish.

Pesto: Use your favorite basil pesto to bring fresh herbal notes and a slight nuttiness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, sweet punch as well as a chewy texture contrast.
Cream Cheese: Provides that silky, smooth base that melts perfectly when baked.
Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy stretch and brown finish.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps create a crisp topping.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic presence.
Red Pepper Flakes: A mild kick to elevate the dip without overpowering it.
Fresh Basil (Optional): Garnish for an extra burst of color and freshness.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, welcoming your preferred ingredients and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make the Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip uniquely yours with these customization ideas.

Vegetarian Friendly: Skip any meat additions to keep it perfectly vegetarian.
Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to ramp up the heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for an allergy-friendly snack.
Meaty Upgrade: Incorporate cooked bacon bits or pancetta for a smoky flavor boost.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheeses and a plant-based cream cheese to enjoy a similar cheesy dip.

Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Delight

How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, finely chop your sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic to maximize flavor release during baking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, pesto, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and half of the shredded mozzarella until creamy and well incorporated. Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you want that subtle heat.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the creamy mixture evenly into a small baking dish or oven-safe ramekins, ensuring an even layer that’s perfect for melting.

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the dip to achieve a golden, bubbly crust when baked.

Step 5: Bake it to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown around the edges.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant touch and extra freshness before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softens quickly, making mixing smoother and ensuring even baking.
Use Good Quality Pesto: The flavor of your pesto shines through in the dip, so opt for fresh or premium jarred pesto.
Sun-Dried Tomato Variety: Choose oil-packed tomatoes for extra moisture and richness.
Don’t Overbake: Remove just as the cheese turns golden to prevent drying out.
Mix the Cheeses Well: Combining mozzarella and Parmesan balances meltiness and flavor depth.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Garnishes

Fresh basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil makes for stunning finishes, elevating both the look and flavor of your dip.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crispy pita chips, fresh veggie sticks like cucumber or carrots, and even crunchy crackers for various textures and enhanced snacking experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in a mini cast iron skillet for a rustic feel, or spoon into hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive centerpiece. For a fun twist, portion it into bite-sized ramekins for individual servings at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains flavor while the texture remains delightfully creamy.

Freezing

This dip freezes well in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve its delicious taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking and drying out the cheesy layers.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese and shredded cheeses with plant-based alternatives to keep the cheesy texture without dairy.

What is the best way to serve this dip for a party?

Serve warm in baking dishes or individual mini ramekins alongside a variety of dippers like crackers, breadsticks, and vegetable sticks for easy sharing.

Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dip the day before and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving for a fresh, hot appetizer.

How spicy is this dip? Can I adjust it?

The recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes that you can easily reduce or increase depending on your heat preference.

Is this dip good for kids?

Definitely. The flavor profile is approachable for kids, but you may want to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make it milder.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip is truly a delicious way to spark joy at any occasion. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try this recipe, you’ll keep it on rotation for every party night or cozy evening in. Go on, make it your go-to dip delight — your taste buds will thank you!