4 Cheese Hot Roasted Red Pepper Dip is a delicious and creamy appetizer that's perfect for any gathering. With a blend of four cheeses and the sweetness of roasted red peppers, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS
- Cream Cheese: 1 (8 oz) package, softened to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup to add creaminess and tang.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup for extra richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for a nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for a melty texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for a bold taste.
- Asiago Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for a sharp, distinctive flavor.
- Roasted Red Peppers: 1 (12 oz) jar, drained and chopped, to add sweetness and color.
- Green Onions: 2, sliced, for a mild onion flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for a pungent, savory note.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For garnish, adding a bit of heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a fresh, herbaceous garnish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the dip.
- Step 2:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of grated mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Asiago cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy cheese base.
- Step 3:
- Stir in 1 (12 oz) jar of drained and chopped roasted red peppers, 2 sliced green onions, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the dip is flavorful throughout.
- Step 4:
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
- Step 5:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges, indicating that it is fully heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Step 6:
- Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with crushed red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Step 7:
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread slices. Enjoy the rich and creamy 4 Cheese Hot Roasted Red Pepper Dip!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the dip hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread slices for dipping.
- For a spicy kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Pair with a selection of fresh vegetables like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and bell pepper slices for a lighter option.
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- If the dip thickens too much upon reheating, stir in a tablespoon of milk or cream to loosen it.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- You can add a handful of chopped fresh spinach or artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.
- If you don't have roasted red peppers, you can roast your own by charring red bell peppers over a gas flame or under the broiler, then peeling and chopping them.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay suggests using a mix of freshly grated cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
- Chef Ina Garten recommends allowing the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chef Emeril Lagasse advises tasting the mixture before baking and adjusting the seasoning as needed to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.