Dips

Sun Dried Tomato Dip

Name: Sun Dried Tomato Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drained; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

By Lena Whitlock · June 19, 2026 · Dips

Prep15 min

Cook0 min

Total45 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I tasted a sun-dried tomato dip at a friend's gathering. The combination of creamy texture, tangy flavor, and the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe for this delicious dip, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This sun-dried tomato dip is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just need a quick and easy snack. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs to your taste, and even add other ingredients like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers to give it an extra boost of flavor.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious sun-dried tomato dip from scratch. We'll cover everything from the importance of using high-quality ingredients to the tips and tricks for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

So, let's get started and make this amazing sun-dried tomato dip that's sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sun-dried tomato dip is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or just need a quick and easy snack.
The dip is highly customizable, so you can adjust the flavors to your taste.
It's a great way to use up sun-dried tomatoes and other ingredients you may have on hand.
The dip is creamy and delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors.
It's a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it's free from meat and animal by-products.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great sun-dried tomato dip is to use high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a rich, intense flavor, while the cream cheese adds a creamy texture. The garlic and lemon juice add a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dip.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of fresh herbs. The parsley and basil add a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme to give the dip a unique twist.

The texture of the dip is also important. You want it to be creamy and smooth, but not too thick or too thin. The cream cheese and sour cream help to achieve this perfect texture, and you can adjust the amount of lemon juice to get the consistency just right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious sun-dried tomato dip, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is, of course, the sun-dried tomatoes. Look for high-quality sun-dried tomatoes that are dry and chewy, with a rich, intense flavor. You'll also need cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can find. Fresh herbs, for example, will have a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs, and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes will have a richer, more intense flavor than lower-quality ones.

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drainedLook for high-quality sun-dried tomatoes that are dry and chewy, with a rich, intense flavor. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil, but be sure to rinse them with water and pat them dry before using.
8 oz cream cheese, softenedMake sure the cream cheese is at room temperature, as this will help it mix more smoothly with the other ingredients.
1/2 cup sour creamYou can also use Greek yogurt or creme fraiche as a substitute for sour cream, but keep in mind that they will give the dip a slightly different flavor and texture.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor, and be sure to mince it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the dip.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceFreshly squeezed lemon juice is best, as it will have a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled lemon juice.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley has a bright, fresh flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly. You can also use other herbs like basil or oregano, but parsley is the classic choice.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basilLike parsley, fresh basil has a bright, vibrant flavor that pairs well with the sun-dried tomatoes. Use the sweet basil variety for the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a high-quality salt like kosher salt or sea salt, as it will have a more nuanced flavor than table salt.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is best, as it will have a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground pepper.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dip. Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese that is freshly grated for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlHand mixer or whiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCheese graterKnife and cutting boardInstant-read thermometerServing bowl

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Dip

1
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy, using a hand mixer or whisk.
2
Add the minced garlic to the bowl and mix until well combined.
3
Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl and mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
4
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and mix until well combined.
5
Stir in the chopped parsley and basil until they are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
6
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl and mix until well combined.
7
Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to taste.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Before serving, give the dip a good stir and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10
Serve the dip in a serving bowl, garnished with additional parsley and basil if desired.
11
Offer pita chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
Don't overmix the dip, as this can make it too thick and sticky.
Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to your taste.
Add other ingredients like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers to give the dip an extra boost of flavor.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and be sure to chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dip.
Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the dip at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, to give the dip a unique flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality sun-dried tomatoes that are too dry or too oily.
Overmixing the dip, which can make it too thick and sticky.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a dip that is too bland or too salty.
Not refrigerating the dip for at least 30 minutes, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
Serving the dip too cold, which can make it too thick and unappetizing.
Not garnishing the dip with fresh herbs, which can make it look unappealing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add 1/4 cup of chopped artichoke hearts to the dip for an extra boost of flavor.
Use 1/4 cup of roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the dip for a tangy and salty flavor.
Use 1/4 cup of chopped fresh oregano instead of parsley and basil for a unique and herby flavor.
Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh spinach to the dip for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.
Use 1/4 cup of grated goat cheese instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy and tangy flavor.
Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh bell peppers to the dip for a crunchy and sweet texture.

What to Serve With Sun Dried Tomato Dip

This sun-dried tomato dip is perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, and other social events. It's also a great option for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.

Offer pita chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping, and enjoy! You can also serve the dip with a variety of other foods, such as grilled meats, vegetables, or crackers.

Pita chipsCrackersVegetablesGrilled meatsCruditésBreadsticks

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This sun-dried tomato dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

You can also freeze the dip for up to 2 months. Simply transfer the dip to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the dip in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

To reheat the dip, simply place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also serve the dip at room temperature, which is the best way to enjoy its creamy texture and flavorful taste.

Be sure to stir the dip well before serving, as the ingredients may separate during storage. You can also adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?

Look for high-quality sun-dried tomatoes that are dry and chewy, with a rich, intense flavor. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil, but be sure to rinse them with water and pat them dry before using.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat the dip when you're ready to serve.

What can I serve with this dip?

This sun-dried tomato dip is perfect for serving with pita chips, crackers, or vegetables. You can also serve it with grilled meats, vegetables, or crackers.

Can I customize this dip to my taste?

Yes, you can customize this dip to your taste by adding or substituting different ingredients. Some options include adding chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or crumbled feta cheese.

How long does this dip last?

This sun-dried tomato dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to stir the dip well before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Can I make this dip without garlic?

Yes, you can make this dip without garlic by simply omitting it from the recipe. Keep in mind that the garlic adds a lot of flavor to the dip, so you may want to adjust the amount of lemon juice or other seasonings to taste.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

No, it's best to use sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe. Fresh tomatoes have too much moisture and will make the dip too watery. Sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated flavor and texture that works best in this recipe.

Can I make this dip in a food processor?

Yes, you can make this dip in a food processor. Simply combine all the ingredients in the processor and blend until smooth. Be careful not to overprocess the dip, as this can make it too thick and sticky.

The Full Recipe

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