Melty Cheesy Bruschetta Dip – Easy Crowd Pleaser

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Melty Cheesy Bruschetta Dip combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of a traditional bruschetta with the creamy, indulgent texture of a hot dip. It’s loaded with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, then layered with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with melty mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano. Served with toasted bread or crackers, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser at parties, game nights, or anytime you need a cheesy, satisfying appetizer.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Base:

• 2 lbs Roma tomatoes (or the best tomatoes you can find)
• ¼ cup good olive oil (don’t skimp, the flavor really matters)
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced (more if you love garlic)
• 1 medium red onion, diced small
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (real stuff, not syrupy)
• 1 teaspoon salt (start with this, then taste and adjust)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh if you’re feeling fancy)

For the Cheese Situation:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (leave it out for an hour or microwave for 15 seconds)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (trust me on this one)
• ½ cup sour cream (full fat for the win)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (fresh mozzarella is best)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (fresh grated makes all the difference)
• ¼ cup Romano cheese, grated (optional, but adds a nice sharp bite)

For the Fresh Stuff:

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (save some pretty whole leaves for the top)
• 2-3 green onions, sliced thin (just the green parts)

For Serving:

• Crusty Italian bread, sliced and toasted
• Good crackers (water crackers or baguette crisps work great)
• Maybe some veggies if you want to pretend it’s healthy

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Base

Start by dicing the tomatoes and placing them in a bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic, red onion, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano (or fresh herbs). Mix well to combine and let the tomatoes sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Mix until everything is smooth and well-combined. The creamy base will form the perfect contrast to the juicy tomatoes.

3. Assemble the Dip

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish (an 8×8 or similar works well), spread the cheesy mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon the tomato mixture over the cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Make sure to get those gorgeous tomatoes and fresh herbs all over the dip.

4. Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll want the cheese to be fully melted and starting to develop a bit of a golden crust on top.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dip with extra fresh basil and a little more Parmesan for a burst of flavor and color. Serve hot with sliced, toasted Italian bread, crackers, or even some crunchy veggies for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 (depending on how hungry your crowd is)
• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the tomato mixture to give the dip a kick.
2. Vegetarian Version: Use more veggies in the tomato base—diced bell peppers, olives, or spinach would all work well.
3. Cheese Lover’s Dip: For an extra cheesy version, add more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the tomato mixture before baking.
4. Gluten-Free: Serve the dip with gluten-free crackers or cut up some veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for dipping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warm. You can also heat it up in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back the crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina, for different flavor profiles.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Roma?

Yes, you can use any kind of fresh tomato, but Roma tomatoes are ideal because they are less watery and hold their shape better.

4. Can I make this dip spicy?

Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños to the tomato mixture or stir in some hot sauce for a spicy kick.

5. Can I serve this dip cold?

This dip is best served hot and melty, but you can refrigerate it and eat it cold if preferred. It will still taste delicious, though it won’t have that gooey, cheesy texture.

Conclusion

This Melty Cheesy Bruschetta Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best elements of both bruschetta and cheesy dips. With a delicious blend of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, combined with a creamy, cheesy base, this dip will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect for any gathering, this is one appetizer that will leave a lasting impression!

Melty Cheesy Bruschetta Dip – Easy Crowd Pleaser

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian, American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Melty Cheesy Bruschetta Dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser, combining the fresh flavors of bruschetta with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a hot dip. Loaded with tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a creamy cheese mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly, this dip is the ultimate appetizer for any party, game night, or gathering. Serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or veggies for an irresistible treat!

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Ingredients

For the Tomato Base:

2 lbs Roma tomatoes (or the best tomatoes you can find)

¼ cup good olive oil

4–5 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium red onion, diced small

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (real stuff, not syrupy)

1 teaspoon salt (start with this, then taste and adjust)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh if you’re feeling fancy)

For the Cheese Mixture:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream (full fat for the win)

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (fresh grated makes all the difference)

¼ cup Romano cheese, grated (optional but adds a nice sharp bite)

For the Fresh Stuff:

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (save some pretty whole leaves for the top)

2–3 green onions, sliced thin (just the green parts)

For Serving:

Crusty Italian bread, sliced and toasted

Good crackers (water crackers or baguette crisps work great)

Maybe some veggies if you want to pretend it’s healthy

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Base:
   Dice the tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic, red onion, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well and let the tomatoes sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

3. Assemble the Dip:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a baking dish (an 8×8 or similar works well). Spoon the tomato mixture over the cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.

4. Bake:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The cheese should be fully melted and starting to develop a golden crust on top.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   After removing from the oven, sprinkle with extra fresh basil and a little more Parmesan for added flavor and color. Serve hot with sliced, toasted Italian bread, crackers, or veggies for dipping.

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Notes

Cheese Selection: Using fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano creates the perfect balance of meltiness and sharp flavor.

Fresh Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal for this dip due to their low moisture content, but any tomato will work in a pinch.

Temperature: This dip is best served hot and melty, but if you’re short on time, you can prepare it ahead of time and bake just before serving.