Dips, dips, dips, we just can't get enough of them! There's no limit to the variations, sweet, savory and anything inbetween goes. For this years game day snacks, I decided to change it up by making an Italian bean dip using cannellini beans, a white kidney bean, in place of the brown bean dip that I usually make. My vegetarian friends and family are always happy to see a variation that they and meat lovers alike can enjoy.
You'll need:
1 8 oz. softened low fat cream cheese
2 Tbs. prepared basil pesto
1 7 oz. jar roasted red peppers well drained
1-2 Tbs. red cherry pepper hoagie spread [*see cooks note below]
1 15 oz. can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
1/4-1/3 cup parmesan peppercorn salad dressing [I used Ken's Light Options]
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
2 Tbs. shredded parmesan cheese
2 Tbs. fresh basil, thinly sliced
salt and black pepper to taste
assorted crackers, pita chips, toasted sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the softened cream cheese on the bottom of a 1 1/2 quart shallow baking dish. Spread the prepared basil pesto over the cream cheese. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of the shredded Italian cheese blend.
In a food processor, roughly chop the drained roasted red peppers with the hoagie spread. Add more or less hoagie spread until the desired level of heat is reached. Dollop over the pesto, then spread evenly. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend.
In the food processor, pulse the cannellini beans with 1/4 cup parmesan peppercorn salad dressing. You can add as much as 1/3 cup of dressing and then season with additional salt and black pepper to your taste. You could use a creamy Caesar or Italian dressing with great results, too. Spread evenly over the roasted red peppers.
Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese and the remaining shredded Italian cheese blend. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until heated through. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.
Cook's note:
*Hoagie spread is a hot cherry pepper spread that's often served on Italian subs and sandwiches. It packs a decent amount of heat, so, add one tablespoon at a time, then taste and adjust to your personal liking.
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