Hot Italian Cheddar Dip

Hot Italian Cheddar Dip is a perfect game day recipe for any crowd.

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 (8 ounce) package Cabot Cream Cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch salt
• 5 ounces Cabot Alpine Cheddar, White Oak Cheddar or Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, grated and divided (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 slice white bread, crusts removed, processed into fine crumbs (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup chopped grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat small (about 2 1/2 cup) ovenproof baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Beat cream cheese in a large bowl with electric mixer until light and airy, about two minutes.
3. Beat in 4 teaspoons of basil, pepper and salt.
4. Add 1 cup of Cheddar and breadcrumbs; beat until blended.
5. Spread mixture in prepared dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar.
6. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until heated through but not bubbling.
7. Let cool on wire rack for about 10 minutes.
8. Serve warm, topped with tomatoes, red onions and remaining 2 teaspoons basil.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Cabot Creamery Co-operative