Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cheese Spread

This is an incredible cheese spread. With the red of the sun-dried tomatoes and the green of the pesto, it makes for a beautiful Christmas appetizer. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and sprigs of basil and serve with crackers.

Step: 1

Chop the garlic in a food processor. Mix in basil, lemon juice, pine nuts and olive oil. Process until well blended. Mix in 1/3 cup cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Blend using pulse setting until almost smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl.

Step: 2

Coarsely chop sun-dried tomatoes in the food processor. Mix in tomato paste and 1/3 cup cream cheese. Blend until smooth.

Step: 3

Place 2 cups cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step: 4

Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Line dish with plastic wrap so that the wrap extends over sides of the dish.

Step: 5

Evenly spread 3/4 cup cream cheese and butter mixture in the prepared dish. Layer alternately with 1/2 the sun-dried tomato mixture, 1/2 cup cream cheese and butter mixture and 1/2 the pesto mixture. Repeat layering, topping with remaining cream cheese and butter mixture. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight.

Step: 6

Carefully invert dish onto a platter and remove plastic to serve.

Per Serving: 83 calories; protein 1.5g; carbohydrates 1.5g; fat 8.2g; cholesterol 20.5mg; sodium 80.8mg.

Great taste and easy , these snack work for any meeting or gathering . When throwing a get-together , large or small , you should don’t forget the appetizers . We’ve gathered of our best appetizer recipes that are sure to suprrise your guests. From lips to spreads and all over in between, you’re sure to find the perfect snacks for any occasion .

For your great party, be sure to make the Cranberry roll of balls . If you’re crunched for time, the speedy Classic Cheese Tray is your go-to .