Zucchini Dip Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 -10 as an appetizer
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Course
Appetizer, Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Zucchini Dip Recipe
Description
The recipe begins by coarsely chopping or pulsing tomatoes and cooking them with garlic and fresh basil until the mixture softens into a sauce. Grated zucchini is then added and cooked further until completely softened. Finally, cream cheese is stirred in off heat, melting into the vegetables to form a creamy, thick dip. The process yields a spreadable mixture that balances the slight acidity of tomatoes with the mild freshness of zucchini and the richness of cream cheese.
Serve this dip chilled or at room temperature accompanied by crackers, chips, or fresh French bread to enjoy its creamy texture and concentrated flavors. It works well as a party appetizer or a flavorful condiment for snack times.
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini about 2 1/2 lbs, or 5 small/medium squash
- 2 tomato 1 lb, medium/large
- 1 basil about 2 Tbsp chopped, hand-full, fresh
- 16 oz cream cheese = two 8 oz packages
- 2 cloves garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper or to taste
- crackers chips, or fresh French bread to serve
Instructions
- Pulse tomatoes in a food processor several times or until coarsely chopped. You can also finely dice tomatoes by hand if you don't have a food processor.
- Heat a large heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped tomatoes, 2 pressed garlic cloves and 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil. Simmer covered for 10 min, stirring occasionally and pressing on any larger tomato pieces to soften them. The mixture should look like a tomato sauce when done.
- Cut off and discard ends of zucchini and shred zucchini on the large holes of a grater. I used the grater attachment on my food processor and it sure was quick! Add grated zucchini to the cooked tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Increase heat to medium/high, cover with lid and cook for 20-23 minutes, stirring occasionally or until zucchini are fully softened.
- Add 16 oz cream cheese pieces and stir until fully melted into the zucchini mixture. It will be creamy. If your dip seems too thick, you can thin it out a little with hot water. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste and serve hot or warm. This re-heats beautifully, just stir in a drizzle of water and heat it up on the stove-top.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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