Giardiniera dip is a flavorful combination of hot giardiniera and smooth cream cheese. Mixed with several types of cheese and topped with even more for a melty and addictive texture, this snack will quickly become your favorite appetizer or game day idea.
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Spicy. Creamy. Cheesy. Do I have your attention yet?
Today we're talking about a game day favorite. It's an irresistible dip you can gather around with family and friends, test your spice tolerance, and enjoy some good times.
This hot cream cheese and cheese dip is made all the better with the spicy addition of hot giardiniera. Not a fan of spice? Try mild giardiniera in its place.
Cream cheese dip is often served cold, but guess what - it's great warm too! Don't miss my customization options below, because you can definitely give this one your own spin.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Giardiniera
- Italian cheese blend
How to make giardiniera dip
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray the inside of a small baking dish with cooking spray. I used one that was about 5 x 8 inches.
- In a medium bowl, use a wooden spoon or other strong utensil to blend the cream cheese, sour cream, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you could blend it in a food processor and then add it to the bowl.
- Fold in the giardiniera until well mixed.
- Top with the remaining parmesan cheese and all of the Italian cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until everything is hot and the cheese on top is melted and beginning to brown on the edges.
- Top with additional giardiniera if desired and serve warm with crostini, crackers, crudité, or whatever you prefer.
Top tips
Where to find giardiniera
You can find giardiniera in the condiment aisle of the grocery store near the other pickles and olives.
What to serve with giardiniera dip
This dip is great with anything you'd normally use as a vehicle for dips. Consider trying crostini, crackers, tortilla chips, or cut up veggies such as carrots and bell peppers.
How to store hot cream cheese dip
Allow leftovers to cool to the touch before covering with plastic wrap and storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat leftovers in the oven in the original baking dish or individual portions in a bowl in the microwave. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Tips for customizing giardiniera dip
- Use hot or mild giardiniera depending on your spice tolerance
- Swap the giardiniera for your favorite pickles, chopped into small pieces
- Use this dip as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches, or as a spread on a scrambled egg sandwich or veggie sandwich
- Try it with dairy free swaps to make it dairy free and vegan
- Skip the cheesy topping and serve as a cold dip
FAQ
Giardiniera is a condiment consisting of pickled vegetables. It usually consists of a mixture of chopped vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, peppers, and celery.
Giardiniera comes in hot or mild, so choose your spice level according to your preference. It can also come roughly chopped or finely chopped like relish.
I recommend using Chicago style giardiniera to make this tasty dip. The spiciness and oil from the pickled vegetables pairs really well with the cream cheese. If you only have Italian available, you may need to chop the veggies smaller and add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more spice.
A block of cold cream cheese can be kind of tough to blend with other ingredients. Allowing the cheese to come to room temperature makes it easier to mix with a spoon. If you're using a food processor to mix your dip, you could potentially use cold cream cheese.
Real parmesan cheese is not vegetarian because it is made with animal rennet. If this is important to you, look for a parmesan cheese made with vegetable rennet.
More dip recipes
- Buffalo Dip
- White Bean Dip
- Cookie Dough Dip Without Cream Cheese
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Taco Dip
- Avocado Chimichurri Dip
- Texas Caviar
- Pico de Gallo with Avocado
- Radish Salsa
- Oven Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salsa
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Giardiniera Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces giardiniera, drained, plus more for topping
- ½ cup Italian cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray the inside of a small baking dish with cooking spray. I used one that was about 5 x 8 inches.
- In a medium bowl, use a wooden spoon or other strong utensil to blend the cream cheese, sour cream, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you could blend it in a food processor and then add it to the bowl.
- Fold in the giardiniera until well mixed.
- Top with the remaining parmesan cheese and all of the Italian cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until everything is hot and the cheese on top is melted and beginning to brown on the edges.
- Top with additional giardiniera if desired and serve warm with crostini, crackers, crudité, or whatever you prefer.
Notes
Tips for customizing giardiniera dip
- Use hot or mild giardiniera depending on your spice tolerance
- Swap the giardiniera for your favorite pickles, chopped into small pieces
- Use this dip as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches, or as a spread on a scrambled egg sandwich
- Try it with dairy free swaps to make it dairy free and vegan
- Skip the cheesy topping and serve as a cold dip
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