If you love pesto, you’ll go crazy for this Cheesy Pesto Artichoke Dip!

Loaded with gooey cheese, artichokes, pesto, and roasted red peppers, this dip is a flavor explosion in every bite. It comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, making it the perfect appetizer for holidays, parties, or game days.

Enjoy it with crostini, crackers, or even fresh veggies. Any way you eat it, this  cheesy baked dip is guaranteed to become a new favorite!

So. Have I told you that our house is (once again) under construction? Apparently we love living in chaos. Just months after we finished our big kitchen renovation, which meant nearly 2 months of living without an oven, dishwasher, or sink….we decided to start on a basement project. While simultaneously redoing our laundry room. Right before the holidays. Gluttons for punishment? I think we must be.

Funny enough, this isn’t the first time we’ve taken on a big project right around the holidays. We actually put our last house on the market just 2 days after Christmas….which meant our entire holiday season was spent packing and decluttering and showing our house. Because apparently the holidays aren’t busy enough or exciting enough as is….?

The good news is that despite the current construction, we did somehow manage to put up a Christmas tree. And Christmas lights. And decorate the house. Which feels great! Now if only the shopping would take care of itself. As you can imagine, I’m a little behind on gifts. And don’t even get me started on Christmas cookies…I’ve made none!

But. I do have us covered for holiday appetizers. Just in case we decide to get crazy and throw a little party….you know….because we’re looking for something more to do. If and when….I can guarantee this Cheesy Pesto Artichoke Dip will be on the menu.

Do you love pesto as much as I do? I seriously feel like it makes everything better. It’s PACKED with flavor and adds the most delicious twist to any recipe. I love using it to make Pesto Chicken Salad, Garden Vegetable Pesto Pizza, and this easier than ever White Bean Pesto Soup. And when it comes to using it in dips? You just can’t go wrong.

This Cheesy Pesto Artichoke Dip is reminiscent of Spinach Artichoke Dip, but with SO much more flavor. Because….pesto! I love how simple it is to make (oven ready in 5 minutes or less) and the fact that it uses just a handful of ingredients that are easy to have on hand.

And I love how HUGE the flavor is! Definitely my kind of appetizer.

I can see myself making this Cheesy Pesto Artichoke Dip to take to Christmas at my parents, New Years Eve with friends, game day Sundays, wine nights with the ladies, or maybe even dinner. Because I feel like it’s that kind of appetizer. The one that’s too easy and delicious NOT to make. All the time. Like I said, I totally have us covered for appetizers.

As for the rest of our life? Well, it’s complete chaos. Chaos that will hopefully be ending soon…just in time to finish up Christmas shopping, pour myself a glass of wine, make this Cheesy Pesto Artichoke Dip, and enjoy the holidays. At least for a moment.

Cheesy Pesto Artichoke Dip

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

If you love pesto, you'll go crazy for this Cheesy Pesto Artichoke Dip! Loaded with gooey cheese, artichokes, pesto, and roasted red peppers, this dip is a flavor explosion in every bite. It comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, making it the perfect appetizer for holidays, parties, or game days. Enjoy it with crostini, crackers, or even fresh veggies. Any way you eat it, this  cheesy baked dip is guaranteed to become a new favorite!

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Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup artichoke hearts
• 1/3 cup prepared pesto

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, 2/3 c. shredded cheese, artichoke hearts, 1/3 c. roasted red peppers, and pesto. Use a hand mixer to mix thoroughly.
2. Spoon into a small baking dish; top with remaining shredded cheese.
3. Bake at 400 degrees 15-20 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.
4. Remove from oven; top with remaining red peppers and drizzle with pesto. Serve with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Saturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 442mgCarbohydrates: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g