Savor the lush flavors of fresh basil, rich Parmesan, and creamy cheese with our heavenly Basil Parmesan Dip – it’s pure indulgence in every bite and ready in 30 minutes!
This Basil Parmesan Dip is made with fresh basil leaves, adding a pop of garden-fresh flavor. Pair it with rich, nutty Parmesan and a base of creamy, smooth cream cheese. It’s basically everything you want in a dip—fresh, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which is perfect for those last-minute get-togethers or when you just need a quick and satisfying snack.
This Parmesan dip goes perfectly with a plate of crispy crostini or a bunch of crunchy veggies of your choice like carrots, radish, or celery sticks. Trust me, it’ll be the hit of the party or just your new favorite go-to comfort snack at home.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Basil Dip
- I love that this Parmesan dip with basil is incredibly versatile and complements a variety of dishes from sandwiches to pasta.
- Its creamy texture makes it a perfect pairing for crackers, pita bread, or vegetables.
- This dip keeps well in the fridge, allowing for easy, delicious leftovers.
Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil provides a bright, peppery flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness and adds depth with its slightly granular texture.
- Greek Yogurt Cheese (or Regular Cream Cheese): Provides a creamy, tangy base that makes a lush, spreadable texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Cheese Variation: Aged Asiago or sharp Pecorino Romano can be used in place of Parmesan for a bolder, more pronounced flavor. If you’re looking for a creamier texture, try blending in some soft goat cheese.
- Spinach Swap: Combine spinach with half of the basil to maintain the green color. This spinach mixture will add a mild, earthy flavour.
- Nutty Enhancement: Add a tablespoon of pine nuts, cashews, or walnuts for a subtle, nutty taste.
How to Make Basil Parmesan Dip
Step #1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
Step #2: Place the basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil into a small food processor. Pulse until the garlic is well minced.
Step #3: Add the remaining ingredients to the processor bowl and process until smooth. Transfer the dip to an oven-safe serving dish and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until fluffy and heated through. Serve with crackers, pita chips or tortilla chips for dipping.
Expert Tips
- Achieving Chunky Consistency: If you prefer a chunkier texture in your dip, pulse the ingredients briefly and use coarsely grated Parmesan cheese. This method allows larger bits of basil and cheese to remain intact.
- Optimal Basil Preparation: Before adding basil to the processor, gently bruise the leaves between your hands. This releases essential oils.
- Cheese Grating Technique: Grate the Parmesan cheese as finely as possible for a smoother texture in the dip. Finer cheese integrates better, preventing clumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use a blender to make the Basil Parmesan Dip. Blend all ingredients until smooth for a creamy and even texture.
You can add a dollop of Basil Parmesan Dip on grilled chicken or fish for a burst of flavor. Try mixing it into cooked pasta for a creamy sauce, or use it as a topping for a gourmet pizza.
Storage Info
Store the Basil Parmesan Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When storing your dip, limit the amount of surface area exposed to air. You can achieve this by pressing layers of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip before closing the container lid. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy texture may become grainy and separate when thawed.
To reheat, place the dip in a heatproof dish and warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Ensure it’s covered with foil to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
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Basil Parmesan Dip Recipe
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves - loosely packed
- 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces Greek yogurt cheese - or regular cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
- Place the basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil into a small food processor. Pulse until the garlic is well minced.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the processor bowl and process until smooth. Transfer the dip to an oven-safe serving dish and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until fluffy and heated through. Serve with crackers or tortilla chips for dipping.
NOTES
Nutrition
The flavors are simple but go well together. I had it with pita chips and liked it.
Hello Linda,you have wonderful recipes here, thank you so much!
Have you considered automatic irrigation to compensate for your ‘black thumb’? If you are technically minded (or know someone who is) there are plenty of ways, from infusion-like containers that dripple the water very slowly to little computers you can screw to your tap…
Basil f.i. can be grown in so many varieties that maybe you’d be amazed what a difference that can make!
Hi Clemens,
Thanks for the tips, I may have to try one of those for some fresh Basil!
– Linda