Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/6 checked
8
servings
16 unit

low-fat cream cheese

softened

8 unit

pesto sauce

drained

9 unit

sun-dried tomatoes

drained

10 slice

provolone cheese

thinly sliced

6 unit

pine nuts

toasted

1 tbsp

milk

optional

Step 1
~2 min

Lightly toast pine nuts.

Key Technique: Toast
Step 2
~2 min

Line a small loaf pan with plastic wrap.

Step 3
~2 min

Place thin slices of provolone cheese on the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

Step 4
~2 min

Blot excess oil from pesto with a paper towel.

Step 5
~2 min

Mix cream cheese with a little milk to soften.

Step 6
~2 min

Layer 1/3 of the cream cheese into the prepared pan.

Step 7
~2 min

Spread 1/2 of the sun-dried tomatoes over the cream cheese.

Step 8
~2 min

Sprinkle with pine nuts.

Step 9
~2 min

Spread 1/2 of the pesto over the pine nuts.

Step 10
~2 min

Layer another 1/3 of the cream cheese.

Step 11
~2 min

Spread the remaining 1/2 of the sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 12
~2 min

Sprinkle with more pine nuts.

Step 13
~2 min

Spread the remaining 1/2 of the pesto.

Step 14
~2 min

Finish with the last 1/3 of the cream cheese.

Step 15
~2 min

Invert the log onto a serving dish.

Step 16
~2 min

Remove the plastic wrap.

Step 17
~2 min

Sprinkle pine nuts on top.

Step 18
~2 min

Serve with crackers.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use two mini loaf pans for individual servings.

Adjust the amount of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes to your liking.

Chill the log for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

5 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made a day ahead

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Moderate (Pesto)
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with an assortment of crackers.

Garnish with fresh basil.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Antipasto platter
Olives
Marinated vegetables

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

United States

Cultural Significance

Popular appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving
New Year's Eve

Occasion Tags

Party
Holiday
Game Day

Popularity Score

65/100

More Italian-American Appetizer Recipes

Discover more delicious Italian-American Appetizer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Italian-American
Easy
A+

Sausalito Delight

4.1
(143 reviews)

A refreshing and simple appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

15 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
60%
75
Italian-American
Easy
C+

Hot Artichoke Dip

4.3
(810 reviews)

A creamy and cheesy artichoke dip, perfect for sharing.

25 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (if served with gluten-free bread)
75%
70
Italian-American
Easy
A-

Baked Artichoke Dip

4.5
(1439 reviews)

A warm and cheesy dip perfect for parties or gatherings, featuring artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.

50 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
70
Italian-American
Medium
C+

Parmesan Appetizer Loaf

4.3
(436 reviews)

A savory Parmesan appetizer loaf perfect for parties or gatherings. This easy-to-make bread is bursting with cheesy flavor and has a delightful texture.

150 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
75%
70
Italian-American
Easy
C+

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

4.4
(895 reviews)

A warm and cheesy pepperoni pizza dip perfect for parties or game day. Serve with crackers or chips.

20 min
N/A cal
vegetarian (if pepperoni is omitted)
75%
80
Italian-American
Easy
A-

Pizza Dip

4.3
(902 reviews)

A warm and cheesy dip that tastes like pizza, perfect for parties and gatherings.

40 min
250 cal
Gluten-Free (if served with gluten-free crackers)
Keto-Friendly (if ingredients are adjusted to be low-carb)
70%
75
Italian-American
Easy
B+

Baked Pizza Dip

4.1
(937 reviews)

A warm and cheesy pizza-flavored dip, perfect for parties or a quick snack. Serve with crackers and breadsticks.

20 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (check breadstick ingredients)
80%
75
Italian-American
Easy
B+

Buttered garlic bread

4.4
(1041 reviews)

Classic garlic bread recipe, perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

7 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
80%
75