This Million Dollar Crack Dip is a perfect combination of creamy cheese and fresh, tangy bruschetta. The dip features a luscious feta and cream cheese base, paired with a refreshing tomato and basil topping, creating a rich and vibrant flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or enjoying it as a snack at home, this dip will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Delicious Layers: The dip has both a creamy cheese base and a fresh, zesty bruschetta topping, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
- Super Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, this dip comes together effortlessly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a casual evening with friends, this dip is sure to be a hit.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread for endless dipping options.
- Customizable: Adjust the garlic, basil, or balsamic vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta:
- Roma tomatoes
- Basil leaves (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
For the Cheese:
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
To Garnish:
- Basil leaves (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Variations
- Add Spice: For a kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the bruschetta mixture.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream, and omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta alternative.
- Herb Alternatives: Try swapping basil for fresh oregano or parsley for a different flavor profile.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bruschetta
Core and dice the Roma tomatoes into small cubes. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Toss everything together to coat evenly and set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Base
In a food processor, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Puree for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Scoop the cheese mixture onto a shallow serving plate or bowl. Top with the marinated bruschetta mixture, ensuring it’s spread evenly over the cheese.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the dip with red pepper flakes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and more chopped basil. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate the Bruschetta: Allowing the tomato mixture to marinate for 10 minutes enhances the flavor and gives the ingredients time to combine.
- Smooth Cheese Dip: For a super smooth texture, make sure the cream cheese and sour cream are softened before processing.
- Extra Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like olives, chopped onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor complexity.
How to Serve
This dip is perfect for serving at parties or as an appetizer. Pair it with crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread for dipping. You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or salads for a refreshing contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dip is best served fresh, as freezing may alter the creamy texture of the cheese base. However, you can freeze the cheese mixture separately and assemble the dip when ready to serve.
Reheating
If you have leftovers, simply let them sit at room temperature for a while to soften before serving. You can also microwave the dip in short bursts, stirring in between, if necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?
Roma tomatoes are preferred due to their firmer texture, but you can use any ripe tomatoes if you don’t have Roma on hand.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a milder cheese, try using goat cheese or cream cheese. You can also experiment with adding shredded mozzarella for a different flavor.
3. Is there a vegan alternative for the dip?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based options and omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
4. How long can I refrigerate the dip?
You can refrigerate this dip for up to 2 days, and it will still taste great.
5. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cheese mixture and bruschetta separately, then assemble just before serving for the best results.
6. Can I make this dip spicy?
To add spice, incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the bruschetta mixture or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
7. What can I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with pita chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices. It also works as a topping for fresh salad.
8. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if you have dried basil, you can use that as a substitute (just reduce the amount).
9. How do I make this dip creamier?
For a creamier consistency, add more cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture, blending until smooth.
10. Can I freeze this dip?
It’s not recommended to freeze the dip, as it may change the texture of the cheese base, but you can freeze the cheese mixture separately.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Crack Dip is a delicious and unique twist on a classic bruschetta dip. With its creamy cheese base topped with a fresh, tangy tomato mixture, this dip is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether served with crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread, it’s a perfect snack that combines simplicity and incredible flavor!
PrintMillion Dollar Crack Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes marinating time)
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of dip 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This indulgent dip combines creamy cheese with a fresh and flavorful bruschetta topping. A perfect balance of tangy feta, smooth cream cheese, and the vibrant burst of Roma tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Topped with red pepper flakes, parmesan, and fresh basil, this is a crowd-pleasing dip that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta:
- 4 Roma tomatoes, cored and diced
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled (block style)
- 1/2 block (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
To Garnish:
- More basil leaves, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, for spice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bruschetta:
- Core and dice the Roma tomatoes into small cubes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
-
Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the feta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Puree the mixture for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
-
Assemble the Dip:
- Scoop the cheese mixture onto a shallow serving plate or bowl.
- Top with the prepared bruschetta mixture.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the top with red pepper flakes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and more chopped basil.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the bruschetta marinate for 20-30 minutes before assembling to allow the ingredients to meld together.
- The dip can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes marinating time)
- Category: Dip, Appetizer
- Method: Blending, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean