Zucchini Dip Recipe
This zucchini dip recipe is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or as a snack. Made with fresh zucchinis, tomatoes, basil, and cream cheese, it’s a delicious dip that pairs well with crackers, chips, or bread.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Zucchini Dip:
- 4–5 small/medium zucchinis or squash (about 2 ½ lbs)
- 2 medium/large tomatoes (1 lb)
- 1 handful fresh basil (about 2 tbsp, chopped)
- 16 oz cream cheese (two 8 oz packages)
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
For Serving:
- Crackers, chips, or fresh French bread
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Pulse the tomatoes in a food processor until coarsely chopped, or finely dice them by hand if you don’t have a food processor.
- Cook the Tomato Base: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, 2 pressed garlic cloves, and chopped fresh basil. Simmer covered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Press down on any larger tomato pieces to soften them. The mixture should resemble a tomato sauce when done.
- Grate the Zucchini: Cut off the ends of the zucchinis and discard them. Shred the zucchinis using the large holes of a grater. Alternatively, use the grater attachment on a food processor to speed up the process. Add the grated zucchini to the cooked tomato mixture and stir to combine.
- Cook the Zucchini: Increase the heat to medium-high, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 20-23 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is fully softened.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Add the 16 oz of cream cheese to the pan and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the zucchini mixture. If the dip is too thick, thin it out with a little hot water. Season with ½ tsp of sea salt and ⅛ tsp of black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot or warm with crackers, chips, or fresh French bread. This dip reheats beautifully, just stir in a little water and heat on the stovetop.
Notes
- This dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences. You can add herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Zucchini Dip, Appetizer, Cream Cheese, Tomato, Basil, Snack, Party Food