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This layered tomato spread turns the beloved Italian starter into a scoopable treat that's ideal for gatherings. The soft herb cheese makes a velvety foundation for ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil, all topped with a rich balsamic reduction that blends the tastes together wonderfully.
I whipped up this spread when friends dropped by without warning. They gathered around it all night long, and it's now my favorite starter whenever I need something fast but eye-catching.
Ingredients
- Alouette Cheese with herbs or Boursin soft cheese: the smooth foundation that delivers creaminess and ready-made flavor. Try to grab versions that already have herbs mixed in for extra taste.
- Fresh tomatoes: pick juicy, solid tomatoes and take out the seeds to cut down on wetness. Cherry or Roma varieties work amazingly for their naturally sweet flavor and limited juice content.
- Fresh basil: flavorful and fragrant, grab bright green leaves with no dark spots. The newer the basil, the more scent it'll bring to your spread.
- Balsamic glaze: brings a sweet-tart finish that transforms the whole dish. The one from Trader Joe's has great thickness and taste without too much sharpness.
- Pita chips, crackers, or baguette slices: tough dippers for grabbing the creamy mix. Pick options that won't break under the weight of the topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the base:
- Smooth the soft cheese across a wide plate or tiny platter, keeping a small edge around the sides. Push it around with a spoon's back to make an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. The clean border gives your finished spread a more put-together look.
- Add the tomatoes:
- Softly drop the diced tomatoes on top of the cheese section. Spread them out so each bite gets some fresh tomato goodness. Blot the tomatoes with a paper towel first if they seem too juicy.
- Layer the basil:
- Scatter the freshly cut basil on the tomatoes. The bright green creates a pretty contrast with the red tomatoes. Rip bigger leaves just moments before adding to let out more of their scented oils.
- Finish with balsamic:
- Pour the balsamic glaze in a wavy line across everything. Use less than you think you'll want since the flavor packs a punch. You can always put more on if needed. The glaze should be thick enough to stay on top without sinking into the cheese.
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That balsamic drizzle really makes this dish pop. I once tried using plain balsamic vinegar and it was way too runny and sharp. The thickened glaze gives just the right touch of sweetness that goes perfectly with the velvety cheese and garden-fresh veggies.
Make Ahead Options
You can set up this tomato spread up to 4 hours before your guests come. Just lay down the cheese base, wrap it in plastic and stick it in the fridge. Toss on the tomatoes, basil, and balsamic right before people show up for the best look. The layer of cheese stops your crackers or bread from getting mushy.
Seasonal Variations
The tastiest tomatoes come in summer, but this spread works all year with smart swaps. During winter, try using oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for richer taste. In springtime, throw in some tender pea shoots or young herbs with the basil. For fall versions, sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or a handful of pomegranate seeds for crunch and eye appeal.
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Serving Suggestions
While it's great with crackers or bread, this handy spread tastes amazing with veggies too. Cucumber slices, endive leaves, or strips of bell pepper make fantastic low carb options. For a fancy dinner party, serve it with toasted bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil. The spread also fits perfectly on a bigger antipasto board next to olives, sliced meats and marinated veggies.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for the base?
Soft flavored cheeses like Boursin or Alouette work great, but you can try any smooth, mild spreadable cheese you like.
- → Can I use fresh balsamic vinegar instead of glaze?
You can, but the glaze is thicker and sweeter which really makes the dip pop. You can make your own by simmering regular balsamic vinegar until it thickens up.
- → What can I serve this dip with?
This tasty dip goes great with crunchy pita chips, any crackers you have, or thin slices of crusty bread. For a healthier option, try it with raw veggie sticks.
- → Can I prepare this dip in advance?
You can put most of it together early, but it's best to save the basil and balsamic drizzle for right before serving so everything stays fresh and pretty.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The dip doesn't have any gluten, but make sure you grab gluten-free crackers or bread for dipping if you need to avoid gluten completely.