This Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Pesto Dip is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor! It brings together smooth goat cheese, zesty roasted red peppers, and fresh basil for a delightful treat.
You’ll love dipping crunchy veggies or warm pita chips into it. I swear, it’s so good that I could eat it straight from the bowl! Perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roasted Red Peppers: These are key for that sweet and smoky flavor. You can use jarred peppers for convenience. If you prefer fresh, just roast them yourself to your liking!
Goat Cheese: Pairing goat cheese adds a creamy tang to the dip. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, cream cheese or ricotta can work as alternatives, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil gives that fresh herby flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, you could use a teaspoon of dried basil, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
Pine Nuts: They add a nice crunch and earthy flavor. Walnuts are a great alternative if you’re nut-free, or you can skip them entirely if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds extra depth of flavor. You can substitute it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version, or just omit if you’re looking for simplicity.
How Do I Roast Peppers Perfectly?
Roasting red peppers gives them an incredible flavor. Here’s a foolproof way to do it:
- Use a gas burner, broiler, or grill to char the peppers on all sides until the skin is blackened.
- Immediately place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 min. This steams them, making the skins easier to peel.
- Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and you’re ready to go!
This method enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your dip!
Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Pesto Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 large roasted red bell peppers (jarred or homemade), drained
- 4 oz (about 113 g) goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
For Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
Time Estimate:
This delightful dip will take you about 15 minutes of prep time, plus some additional time for roasting the peppers if you choose to do them fresh. Once it’s ready, you can serve it immediately, but letting it sit for 30 minutes in the fridge could help the flavors meld better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Red Peppers:
If you’re using fresh red peppers, roast them over an open flame, under a broiler, or on a grill until they’re charred on all sides. Once charred, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for about 10 minutes. This will make them easier to peel. After steaming, remove the skins, stems, and seeds. If you’re using jarred roasted peppers, just drain them well and jump to the next step!
2. Blend the Base:
In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers and softened goat cheese. Pulse this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. It should look delicious already!
3. Mix in the Flavors:
Next, add the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the food processor. Pulse a few times to start incorporating everything together. You want it to be well mixed while still having some texture.
4. Add the Olive Oil:
Keep the food processor running and gradually drizzle in the olive oil. This will help make your dip creamy and perfectly blended. Stop to taste, and adjust with more salt or pepper if you think it needs it!
5. Serve It Up:
Transfer the dip into a serving bowl. With the back of a spoon, create a shallow well in the center for a nice presentation.
6. Garnish for Flair:
If you like, spoon some extra goat cheese or some extra dollops of the dip into the center. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil or your favorite pesto (made from blending basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper) over and around the cheese. You can also sprinkle chopped roasted red peppers and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat!
7. Enjoy with Friends:
Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers for dipping. What a tasty way to snack!
Enjoy this vibrant, creamy dip perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful snack! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! 🎉
Can I Use Fresh Peppers Instead of Jarred Ones?
Absolutely! Fresh roasted red peppers enhance the flavor of the dip. Just roast them until charred, steam to loosen the skins, and peel before using.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dip may thicken, so just give it a good stir before serving again!
What Can I Use Instead of Goat Cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta. The flavor will be different, but it will still yield a delicious dip!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving for the best texture.
