Simple Pesto Spread With Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipes

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO RECIPE

Steps:

• In a food processor add drained sun-dried tomatoes, basil, nuts and garlic, blend until chunky, then add the parmesan cheese, oregano and oil, mix until blended to desired consistency. Spoon into a glass jar, top with the extra olive oil and keep refrigerated. Enjoy!

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Heat an oven to 350 F. Spread out the walnuts on a small baking sheet and toast in the oven until fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes; let cool completely.
• Pour the reserved sun-dried tomato oil into a liquid measuring cup. Add enough olive oil to the sun-dried tomato oil to make 1/2 cup total.
• Add the walnuts to a food processor and pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.
• Add the sundried tomatoes, oil mixture, basil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Process until the desired consistency is reached, stopping to scrape down the sides once or twice. If needed, add more olive oil in a slow stream (up to 1/4 cup more). If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen the consistency.
• Taste for seasoning and adjust, if necessary. Use immediately or store in the fridge.

TOMATO-WALNUT PESTO SPREAD

Steps:

• Line a 4-cup mold with plastic wrap; coat with cooking spray. Place tomatoes in bottom of mold; set aside., In a large bowl, beat the cheeses, sour cream and butter until blended. In another bowl, combine walnuts and pesto. Spread cheese mixture over tomatoes in prepared mold; top with walnut mixture., Bring edges of plastic wrap together over pesto; press down gently to seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm. Open plastic wrap; invert mold onto a serving plate. Serve with crackers.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO DIP

Steps:

• Chop garlic in processor. Add basil, ¼ cup pine nuts, oil, and lemon juice. Process until well blended. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Pulse until blended. Transfer to medium bowl.
• Coarsely chop tomatoes in processor. Add tomato paste and process until mixture is almost smooth. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese and blend well.
• Beat 2 cups cream cheese and butter in large bowl until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spray 6-cup soufflé dish with nonstick spray. Line with plastic wrap, extending plastic wrap over sides.
• Spread ¾ cup cream cheese-butter mixture evenly over bottom of prepared dish. Top with ½ of tomato mixture, then 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture, then ½ of pesto mixture.
• Repeat layering with ½ cup cream cheese-butter mixture, remaining tomato mixture, ½ cup cream cheese-butter mixture, remaining pesto. Top with remaining cream cheese-butter mixture.
• Cover and Chill overnight.
• (Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated).
• Invert on to platter. Peel off plastic. Garnish with basil and pine nuts. Serve with baguette slices or crackers.

BAKED SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND PESTO CREAM CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pesto and half of the cream cheese (4 ounces). Spread the cream cheese and pesto mixture on the bottom of a small baker (a 2-cup baker works well).
• In a second mixing bowl, or the same bowl*, combine the remaining cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, sour cream, garlic, and dried herbs. Mix well. Spread evenly over pesto mixture.
• Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Note cook time may vary depending on the size of your baking dish. Let the dip sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and additional sun-dried tomatoes as desired (pine nuts are yummy, too!).
• Meanwhile, if serving with a baguette, I highly recommend placing it in the oven while the dip rests to warm. Slice and serve with the dip.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO

Steps:

• Place sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and cover with warm water for 5 minutes, or until tender.
• In a food processor or blender combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parsley, garlic, pine nuts and onion; process until well blended. Add vinegar, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and red wine, and process. Stir in olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste.

SIMPLE PESTO SPREAD WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Soften cream cheese and spread on the bottom of a decorative plate or glass pie plate.
• Top with Pesto Sauce.
• Snip sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces and place on top of the pesto.
• Serve with crackers.