Ina Garten Sun Dried Tomato Dip Recipe

Perfect Ina Garten Sun Dried Tomato Dip Recipe for Any Party

Sun-dried tomato dip revolutionizes ordinary appetizers with its bold, tangy personality.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly into a mouthwatering spread that instantly elevates party snacks.

Rich ingredients combine to create an irresistible flavor profile bursting with Mediterranean-inspired zest.

Each spoonful promises a delightful balance of smooth and vibrant notes that dance across your palate.

The magic happens when simple components transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Grab your favorite crackers or vegetables and prepare for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why Sun Dried Tomato Dip Always Steals the Show

Why Sun Dried Tomato Dip Always Steals the Show
  • Burst with Tangy Flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes create an intense, rich taste that dances on your palate, delivering a punch of concentrated tomato goodness that transforms an ordinary dip into something extraordinary.
  • Effortless Creamy Texture: Blending cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise results in a smooth, velvety consistency that spreads like silk and provides a luxurious mouthfeel perfect for parties or quick snacks.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleasing Preparation
  • Versatile Serving Option: Serve alongside crispy crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or as a delightful spread on sandwiches, giving you multiple ways to enjoy this zesty, creamy dish that's sure to impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need for This Bold Blend

Main Ingredients:
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes: Rich, concentrated flavor that adds depth and tanginess to the dip.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base with a mild tangy flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and a cool, tangy taste to balance the tomatoes.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a silky texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Red Pepper Sauce: Brings a spicy kick and vibrant color to the dip.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor profile.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a light, crisp finish to the dip.

Blending a Dip That Pops with Flavor

Blending a Dip That Pops with Flavor

Step 1: Gather Vibrant Ingredients

Collect your sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, red pepper sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh scallions.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Base

Place these ingredients into a food processor with a metal blade:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Red pepper sauce
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Puree until smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 3: Add Onion Crunch

Sprinkle chopped scallions into the mixture and pulse twice to distribute evenly without breaking down the green onions completely.

Step 4: Prepare For Serving

Let the dip rest at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, tangy profile.

Step 5: Enjoy Delicious Dip

Serve with crispy crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or as a spread on sandwiches. This creamy and zesty dip will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Serving Tip: Best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Dip Tips That Make a Difference

Dip Tips That Make a Difference
  • Balance Spice Carefully: Start with a small amount of hot red pepper sauce and taste as you go, adding more gradually to reach your perfect heat level without overwhelming the dip.
  • Soften Sun-Dried Tomatoes Perfectly: Soak the tomatoes in hot water for 10-15 minutes before blending to create a smoother, more integrated texture that helps ingredients mix effortlessly.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Letting the dip rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour allows the ingredients to meld together, intensifying the rich, tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Bring cream cheese and other cold ingredients to room temperature before mixing to ensure a creamy, lump-free consistency that spreads like a dream.
  • Serve with Smart Companions: Pair this vibrant dip with crisp vegetable sticks, toasted bread rounds, or crackers that complement its robust sun-dried tomato flavor.

How to Store Without Losing That Zing

  • Vacuum-Seal Method: Transfer dip into heavy-duty vacuum-seal bags to preserve freshness and prevent freezer burn. Remove all air carefully before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor intensity for extended storage periods.
  • Mason Jar Preservation: Pack dip into clean glass mason jars with tight-fitting lids, leaving minimal headspace to reduce oxidation. Refrigerate immediately and consume within one week for peak taste and creamy consistency.
  • Portion Freezing Technique: Divide dip into smaller silicone ice cube trays or individual portion containers before freezing. Thaw specific quantities needed without compromising entire batch quality, allowing flexible and convenient future usage.

Try These Zesty Variations at Your Next Party

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Enhance the dip by adding fresh basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Blend in roasted jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to create a fiery version that adds extra heat and complexity to the original recipe.
  • Roasted Garlic Infusion: Incorporate whole roasted garlic cloves into the mixture for a rich, mellow depth that complements the sun-dried tomatoes and creates a more robust appetizer.
  • Smoky Chipotle Blend: Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to introduce a smoky, slightly spicy dimension that transforms the dip into a southwestern-style spread perfect for gatherings.

Dipping Out with a Flavor Explosion

Mediterranean-inspired culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s sun-dried tomato dip, where creamy textures and bold flavors dance together.

Sophisticated palates will celebrate this simple yet elegant appetizer that speaks volumes about gourmet entertaining.

Quick preparation meets remarkable taste in this crowd-pleasing recipe that elevates any gathering.

Southern comfort meets Mediterranean flair through Garten’s masterful approach to classic dips.

So, let’s scroll down, double-tap to share, and let culinary inspiration spread like this delectable dip.

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Ina Garten Sun Dried Tomato Dip Recipe

Ina Garten Sun Dried Tomato Dip Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s sun-dried tomato dip delivers Mediterranean charm with creamy cream cheese and zesty herbs. Rich layers of flavor combine effortlessly, making you crave another crisp bite of this elegant party appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (8 tomatoes)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon (2 grams) freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 dashes hot red pepper sauce

Garnish Ingredients:

  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

Instructions

  1. Combine tomato, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, red pepper sauce, salt, and pepper in a food processor equipped with a metal blade, blending until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gently fold chopped scallions into the mixture, using quick pulse motions to distribute evenly without breaking down the green onions’ texture.
  3. Allow the dip to rest at ambient temperature for optimal flavor melding, which helps balance the tangy and creamy components.

Notes

  • Soak sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 15 minutes to soften their texture and intensify their rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Blend ingredients at room temperature to create a smoother, more harmonious dip with perfect consistency.
  • Customize the heat level by gradually adding hot red pepper sauce, tasting as you go for your ideal spice balance.
  • Let the dip chill in the refrigerator for an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, giving you a quick and delicious snack option throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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