Dried Tomato Torta

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Servings: 8 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A rich and savory Italian cheese spread infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
Dried Tomato Torta recipe image
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Dried Tomato Torta

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8 Calories: 102.6

Description

This Dried Tomato Torta is a sophisticated Italian appetizer that balances the sharp tang of Parmesan with the sweet, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. The base of cream cheese and butter creates a luxuriously smooth, spreadable texture that melts in your mouth. It is vibrant and herbaceous, thanks to the addition of fresh basil. This torta is perfect for holiday parties, casual gatherings, or as an elegant starter for a dinner party. Serve it with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pita triangles for a satisfying bite. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for entertaining.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Ensure the cream cheese, butter, and Parmesan are at room temperature for smooth blending.
  2. In a large bowl or food processor, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup unsalted butter, and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is very smooth and well-combined.
  3. Take 4 sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed) and cut them into thin strips; set these aside for garnish.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine the remaining sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of oil from the jar, and about 1/2 cup of the prepared cheese mixture.
  5. Blend until the tomatoes are completely pureed and the mixture is smooth.
  6. Scrape the tomato puree back into the bowl with the remaining cheese mixture.
  7. Beat the combined mixture thoroughly until fully blended and uniform in color.
  8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape.
  9. Remove from the fridge and mound the cheese mixture onto a serving platter to form the torta.
  10. If preparing ahead, cover with an inverted bowl (ensuring it does not touch the cheese) and chill for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
  11. Arrange the reserved thin tomato strips and fresh basil leaves decoratively around the torta.
  12. Serve with toasted pita triangles, baguette slices, or crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 102.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10.2g16%
Saturated Fat 6.3g32%
Cholesterol 26.1mg9%
Sodium 96.3mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 0.9g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.5g
Protein 1.8g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: appetizer, italian, cheese spread, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, basil, cream cheese, party food, vegetarian, hosting, crackers, dip, herb, easy recipe, make ahead, snack, entertaining, flavorful, rich, spreadable
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