Parmesan Pesto Dip Recipes

PARMESAN PESTO ZUCCHINI STICKS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange two racks evenly spaced in the oven. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
• Cut each zucchini in quarters lengthwise through the stem and then cut each quarter again in thirds lengthwise, making long skinny spears. In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together the pesto and 4 tablespoons of the olive oil and set aside. Place the parsley and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until they are finely minced. Add the panko, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil. Pulse only until all the panko is moistened with oil. Pour the mixture onto a dinner plate.
• Dip the zucchini spears first into the pesto mixture, turning to coat completely, then place each one in the crumb mixture, pressing and turning to coat thickly. Arrange the sticks in rows on the prepared sheet pans.
• Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the crumbs have crisped to a crunchy golden brown. Sprinkle lightly with flaked sea salt and serve hot.

PESTO DIP WITH PARMESAN TOAST

Steps:

• Place baguette slices on greased baking sheets. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 1-2 minutes or until toasted. Turn slices over; sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Broil 1 to 1-1/2 minutes longer or until lightly browned., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pesto, garlic powder and remaining cheese. Serve with toast slices.

PARMESAN-PESTO DIP

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients until well blended; cover.
• Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.
• Serve with assorted cut-up fresh vegetables, crackers or chips.

STRIPED PESTO DIP

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream and Parmesan cheese.
• In a small clear glass serving dish, spread 1/3 the cream cheese mixture. Top with 2 tablespoons pesto. Repeat layering, ending with a topping of pesto. Sprinkle with walnuts and serve.

PESTO WHITE BEAN DIP

Steps:

• Combine cannellini beans, pesto, olive oil and garlic in a food processor. Process until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• To make pita chips: Turn on oven broiler. Brush pita wedges with olive oil and broil for 1 - 2 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove from oven rub with garlic clove. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and salt. Broil for 1 more minute or until golden brown.

KALE PESTO AND WHITE BEAN DIP

Steps:

• Put the pine nuts in to a small skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the nuts are toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Reserve 1 teaspoon of the nuts for garnish and place the rest in a food processor. Add the kale, basil and garlic to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast and salt and blend until well combined. Add the cannellini beans and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Transfer the dip to a small serving bowl and garnish with the basil sprig and toasted pine nuts. Serve with baguette and vegetables.

WARM PESTO DIP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Stir in pesto and cream cheese; cook and stir over low heat until smooth. , Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with vegetables or bread.

BASIL PARMESAN DIP (COOKING LIGHT)

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in food processor or blender and process until smooth.
• Serve with pita chips, bagel crisps, or bread cubes. Or use instead of mayonnaise on a turkey sandwich.

LAYERED ITALIAN DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Mix cream cheese and Parmesan until blended; spread onto bottom of 9-inch pie plate.
• Top with layers of remaining ingredients.
• Bake 15 min. or until heated through.

BASIL, PARMESAN AND CASHEW DIP

Steps:

• Place the basil leaves, nuts, garlic and parmesan in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
• Slowly, in a thin stream, add the olive oil until well combined.
• VARIATION: Use coriander, pine nuts and add some lime.

WHITE BEAN AND PESTO DIP

Steps:

• Process beans in processor until smooth. Stir in pesto. Add lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.) Stir dip before serving.