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Festive Pesto and Cranberry Layered Dip Recipe

Festive Pesto and Cranberry Layered Dip

A creamy, colorful no-cook holiday dip layered with basil pesto, whole-berry cranberry sauce, and toasted nuts. This festive appetizer serves 8 to 10 people and is ready after a short chill.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Layer
  • 250 g Cream cheese, softened
  • 125 g Sour cream
Pesto Layer
  • 1/2 cup, approximately 125 g Basil pesto
Cranberry Layer
  • 1/2 cup, approximately 125 g Whole-berry cranberry sauce or cranberry relish
Topping
  • 1/4 cup, approximately 30 g Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
Optional Garnishes
  • 2 tablespoons Finely grated Parmesan
  • 1-2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped
For Serving
  • As needed Crackers, crostini, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring the cream cheese to room temperature so it spreads easily. If using pine nuts or walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, then cool completely.
  2. Beat or stir the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly into the base of a shallow serving dish, small glass bowl, or pie plate.
  3. Spread the basil pesto gently over the cream-cheese layer. Use the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula and work carefully so the layers remain distinct.
  4. Spoon the whole-berry cranberry sauce or relish over the pesto. Gently spread it across the surface without stirring it into the green layer.
  5. Sprinkle the cooled toasted nuts over the cranberry layer. Finish with Parmesan and chopped fresh basil if desired.
  6. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 1 hour, until the dip is chilled and firm enough to scoop. Serve with crackers, crostini, toasted baguette slices, or sliced vegetables.

Notes

Use thick cranberry sauce or relish for defined layers, draining off excess liquid if necessary. For especially clean layers, chill the cream-cheese base for 10 to 15 minutes before adding pesto and cranberry. Keep covered and refrigerated until serving.