Warm Creamy Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

This recipe presents a delightful and swift solution for a rich starter or accompaniment. With just 10 minutes of active preparation and 18 minutes of cooking, this dish comfortably fits into any weeknight evening, promising a satisfying outcome with minimal effort. The harmonious blend of ricotta, mascarpone, and Parmigiano Reggiano creates a velvety base that pairs beautifully with the savouriness of sun-dried tomatoes and the vibrant freshness of basil. It’s a testament to simple ingredients yielding impressive flavour.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8.8 oz (250g) fresh ricotta, well drained
• 4.4 oz (125g) mascarpone
• 1.8 oz (50g) Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 1.8 oz (50g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• A small bunch fresh basil, leaves chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• To serve: Slices of toasted bread, croutons or raw vegetables

Method

1. Preheat your static oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). Prepare a small ovenproof dish (approximately 6-8 inches or 15-20 cm in diameter).
2. In a large bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta, mascarpone, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Mix with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, finely minced garlic, and most of the chopped basil to the cheese mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Fold all ingredients together thoroughly.
4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared ovenproof dish, gently levelling the surface. Drizzle with the olive oil.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the surface is lightly golden and the dip is piping hot and bubbling gently at the edges.
6. Remove the warm cheese dip from the oven, garnish with the remaining fresh basil, and serve immediately with slices of toasted bread, croutons, or vegetable sticks.

Serving & Leftovers

This dip is best served warm, directly from the dish, accompanied by croutons, bruschetta, or raw vegetables like carrot and celery sticks. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. We recommend gently reheating it in the oven or microwave before consuming, though the texture may not be identical to freshly made.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Incorporating dishes like this into your culinary routine offers a straightforward way to enrich meals without sacrificing precious time. The ability to create a flavourful and satisfying dish in moments translates into greater serenity in the kitchen and more time to dedicate to yourself or your family, simplifying everyday life.