Italian Layered Spread
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with this irresistible Italian Layered Spread, a no-bake appetizer that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. Featuring creamy layers of ricotta and cream cheese seasoned with garlic and spices, this dish is elevated by the addition of basil pesto, marinara sauce, and two types of Italian cheeses—mozzarella and parmesan. Topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, black olives, and fragrant basil, this spread offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Quick to assemble in just 20 minutes, it's the ideal crowd-pleaser for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings. Serve this layered dip with crackers, sliced baguette, or crisp veggies for a dish that's sure to impress while bringing a taste of Italy to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Spread the cream cheese and ricotta mixture evenly onto the bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie pan to create the first layer.
Spoon the basil pesto over the cheese mixture and carefully spread it out evenly to form the second layer.
Gently spread the marinara sauce over the pesto layer to form the third layer.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the marinara layer.
Evenly distribute the grated parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella layer.
Scatter the diced cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives over the top layer of cheese for added color and texture.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
Serve the Italian Layered Spread with sliced baguette, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Allow the spread to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor and consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
414 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.1 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 885 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.8 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 16.8 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 432 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 278 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
