Savory Roasted Tomato Cottage Cheese Cream Appetizer

This creamy cottage cheese and roasted tomato appetizer is a delightful side dish, perfect for summer gatherings or a light snack.

It’s incredibly easy to prepare, combining the fresh, vibrant flavors of roasted tomatoes with the mild, tangy creaminess of cottage cheese. The rich flavors of roasted tomatoes blend beautifully with the cottage cheese, creating a delicious and easy-to-make dip that everyone will love. Each serving provides about 10 grams of protein.

Whether you’re hosting an impromptu get-together or just looking for a wholesome, satisfying snack, this recipe delivers on both taste and simplicity. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of fresh summer produce with minimal effort.

Roasted Tomato Cottage Cheese Cream Appetizer

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy cottage cheese and roasted tomato appetizer is a delightful side dish, perfect for summer gatherings or a light snack. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, combining the fresh, vibrant flavors of roasted tomatoes with the mild, tangy creaminess of cottage cheese. The rich flavors of roasted tomatoes blend beautifully with the cottage cheese, creating a delicious and easy-to-make dip that everyone will love. Each serving provides about 10 grams of protein. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu get-together or just looking for a wholesome, satisfying snack, this recipe delivers on both taste and simplicity. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of fresh summer produce with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

16 ounces cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Tomatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 400 F (200 C). While the oven heats, wash your cherry or grape tomatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to cut them unless they are particularly large.

2. Season the Tomatoes for Roasting: Place the washed tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently toss the tomatoes, ensuring they are all coated with the oil and seasonings. They should look glossy and well-seasoned.

3. Roast the Tomatoes Until Tender: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened, slightly shriveled, and some have burst open, releasing their sweet juices. The kitchen will start to smell wonderfully aromatic.

4. Cool the Roasted Tomatoes Slightly: Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the tomatoes to cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. They should still be warm but not piping hot, making them easier to handle and preventing them from heating the cottage cheese too much.

5. Combine with Cottage Cheese: In a medium-sized serving bowl, place the cottage cheese. Add the slightly cooled roasted tomatoes, including any flavorful juices remaining on the baking sheet, to the bowl with the cottage cheese.

6. Gently Mix and Garnish: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the roasted tomatoes into the cottage cheese. You want to combine them without completely mashing the tomatoes, aiming for a creamy texture with visible pieces of tomato. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Garnish generously with freshly chopped basil just before serving. The vibrant green of the basil provides a beautiful contrast to the red tomatoes and white cottage cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: appetizer
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 150-200
• Sugar: 5-10
• Sodium: 300-400
• Fat: 10-15
• Saturated Fat: 3-5
• Unsaturated Fat: 7-10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 10-15
• Fiber: 2-3
• Protein: 10
• Cholesterol: 15-25

Keywords: appetizer, snack, vegetarian, easy, healthy, summer, dip, cottage cheese, roasted tomatoes, quick

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for anyone seeking a flavorful, low-fuss appetizer or side dish. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. It’s perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs, because the steps are straightforward and the ingredients are readily available. This dish shines at casual summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a light and refreshing snack on a warm afternoon. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping healthy snacks throughout the week. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes and savory cottage cheese offers a balanced flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this savory roasted tomato cottage cheese cream appetizer is simple and stress-free. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh quality of its components.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 16 ounces cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks, for serving

For simple substitutions, you can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. If you don’t have cherry or grape tomatoes, any small, ripe tomato variety will work, though you might need to halve them before roasting. Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if oregano isn’t your favorite. While full-fat cottage cheese will yield a richer, creamier dip, low-fat or even fat-free cottage cheese can be used for a lighter option without significantly compromising the taste. For the fresh basil garnish, fresh parsley or chives would also be lovely, adding a touch of color and fresh flavor.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

The majority of the time is hands-off, as the tomatoes roast to perfection in the oven, allowing you to prepare other elements of your meal or simply relax. This quick turnaround makes it an ideal choice for a spontaneous gathering or a quick, healthy snack.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this savory roasted tomato cottage cheese cream appetizer is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Tomatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, wash your cherry or grape tomatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to cut them unless they are particularly large.
2. Season the Tomatoes for Roasting: Place the washed tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently toss the tomatoes, ensuring they are all coated with the oil and seasonings. They should look glossy and well-seasoned.
3. Roast the Tomatoes Until Tender: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened, slightly shriveled, and some have burst open, releasing their sweet juices. The kitchen will start to smell wonderfully aromatic.
4. Cool the Roasted Tomatoes Slightly: Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the tomatoes to cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. They should still be warm but not piping hot, making them easier to handle and preventing them from heating the cottage cheese too much.
5. Combine with Cottage Cheese: In a medium-sized serving bowl, place the cottage cheese. Add the slightly cooled roasted tomatoes, including any flavorful juices remaining on the baking sheet, to the bowl with the cottage cheese.
6. Gently Mix and Garnish: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the roasted tomatoes into the cottage cheese. You want to combine them without completely mashing the tomatoes, aiming for a creamy texture with visible pieces of tomato. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Garnish generously with freshly chopped basil just before serving. The vibrant green of the basil provides a beautiful contrast to the red tomatoes and white cottage cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This savory roasted tomato cottage cheese cream appetizer is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt for any occasion or dietary preference.

For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the roasted tomatoes and cottage cheese separately, allowing children to mix and match as they please. You might also offer milder dippers like plain rice crackers or cucumber slices. To introduce more flavor without heat, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy, umami note that kids often enjoy.

If you’re looking for simple swaps, consider using different herbs for roasting the tomatoes; rosemary or thyme would offer a lovely alternative. For a touch of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the tomatoes before roasting. To make this a heartier dip, you could stir in some crumbled feta cheese or a spoonful of pesto after combining the tomatoes and cottage cheese.

For party or buffet serving, present the appetizer in a beautiful bowl surrounded by an array of dippers. Think beyond just crackers: toasted baguette slices, pita bread, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, celery sticks, or even blanched green beans all make excellent companions. A small spoon in the bowl will allow guests to serve themselves easily.

Optional toppings can elevate this dish even further. A drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or a swirl of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can add an extra layer of gourmet appeal. You could also crumble some crispy bacon bits over the top for a savory, smoky crunch. For a fresh, zesty kick, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dip can brighten all the flavors.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even the simplest recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes will help you achieve perfect results with your savory roasted tomato cottage cheese cream appetizer every time.

One frequent slip-up is over-roasting the tomatoes. If roasted for too long or at too high a temperature, the tomatoes can become overly mushy or even burnt, losing their sweet, juicy essence. To avoid this, keep an eye on them after the 20-minute mark. They should be soft and slightly shriveled, with some burst skins, but still retaining some of their shape.

Another mistake is not seasoning the tomatoes adequately before roasting. The roasting process concentrates flavors, so a good initial seasoning of salt, pepper, and herbs is crucial. If you under-season, the final dip might taste bland. Always taste the roasted tomatoes before mixing and adjust if necessary. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away.

Mixing the roasted tomatoes into the cottage cheese while they are still piping hot can also be an issue. This can warm the cottage cheese too much, potentially altering its texture and making the dip less refreshing. Always allow the tomatoes to cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet after roasting. They should be warm, not scorching.

Finally, over-mixing the cottage cheese and tomatoes can lead to a less appealing texture. The goal is to gently fold them together, preserving some of the whole or semi-whole roasted tomato pieces. If you stir too vigorously, you might break down the cottage cheese curds too much and turn the dip into a uniform purée, losing some of its visual and textural appeal. A gentle hand is key here.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This savory roasted tomato cottage cheese cream appetizer is best enjoyed fresh, but it can certainly be stored and even partially prepared ahead of time to make your life easier.

To store any leftovers, transfer the dip to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully over time, sometimes tasting even better the next day. However, the fresh basil garnish is best added just before serving, as it can wilt and

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.