This is the easiest and most flavorful cream cheese dip ever! It's perfect for any get together and is always gone by the end of the event. The combined flavors of fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and strawberry sauce over cream cheese is simply divine!
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If you're looking for a new appetizer dip, this one needs to be added to your collection. This cream cheese dip is topped with a sweet and savory strawberry sauce that's smooth and creamy. And it pairs amazingly well with any type of cracker. Deliciously light and refreshingly cool, this appetizer recipe is a huge crowd pleaser.
Typically I serve this easy to make marinated cheese recipe or these grab-and-go chicken mayo baguettes and they are always a crowd favorite. But when I started serving this cream cheese dip topped with strawberry sauce, it quickly became the star of the show.
This dip is amazingly delicious and when it's top with thinly sliced fresh basil, the party gets started! I've served this appetizer dip at least a dozen times and I've not met one person who hasn't loved it. It's just that good!
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
Only 5 simple ingredients are needed to make savory strawberry appetizer. The key is to use frozen strawberries when making the strawberry sauce. When they defrost, the moisture melds exceptionally well with the balsamic vinegar and sugar. You can use fresh strawberries if that is all you have on hand, but you won't get the same consistency and delicious results.
📋 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Start by letting the bag of frozen strawberries thaw at room temperature. Place them in a medium-size bowl and then add the balsamic vinegar and white granulated sugar.
Let these ingredient sit in the bowl for about 45 minutes so the strawberries can slowly thaw. The goal is to let the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar meld together and marinate. It should take about 45 minutes for the strawberries to thaw and the strawberry glaze to finish marinating.
Once the strawberries are thawed enough to mash, use a fork or a hand held masher and gently press down on the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar.
Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. If you are entertaining, this slate plate is perfect and absolutely gorgeous to serve from. Then, take a spoonful of the strawberry sauce and spoon it onto the block of cheese.
Next, slice the fresh basil into slivers and sprinkle it on top of the cream cheese dip.
Expert Tip: I always add extra fresh basil to this spread. But when I can get my hands on fresh Thai basil, I use it for this recipe. Thai Basil is a sweet basil and has a tiny little bit of a "spice" to it. It pairs extremely well with the strawberry sauce.
Using a cheese spreader knife, slice into it, and enjoy!
Spread this onto your favorite cracker or onto a pita chip. Or, take your cracker and enjoy this as a dip!
No matter how you eat it, it has so much flavor and is a must have for parties or gatherings!
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
It can be frozen in its original container, yes. But once you make this recipe, it can't be frozen to enjoy at a later time. The strawberry sauce is best fresh.
Yes! Simply put the frozen strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a container with a lid. Place the container in the refrigerator and use with 24 hours. Right before you're ready to serve, drizzle on the strawberry sauce.
Not only does it pair exceptionally well with any type of cracker, it's also great with pita chips. I've also used this as a spread on top of a freshly toasted bagel for a quick breakfast. It's also really good served with fresh strawberries!
💭 Expert Tips
- The best way to soften cream cheese is to let it sit out at room temperature. When making this, I like to soften it at the same time the whole strawberries are thawing. Remove the block of cheese from the wrapping and set it on a plate. After about 30 minutes at room temperature, it will become soft and easy to slice into, as well as spread.
- Regular balsamic vinegar works well with this recipe but if you have a flavored balsamic vinegar, use it. I've used a cherry almond and a raspberry balsamic vinegar and the flavor popped even more. Balsamic reduction also works extremely well is this recipe. This will produce a thicker strawberry sauce.
- Some people refer to this as a spread and some call it a dip. I don't think it matters what you call it...it's a versatile recipe. It's great when it is spread on top of bagels or crackers. It can also be stirred together and used as a dip for crackers and pita chips. Eat it however you want!
- I do not recommend freezing this recipe. When you freeze cream cheese and then let it thaw, the texture is not as creamy and it does not spread well.
- Both pita chips and crackers work well with this recipe. The crunch and granularity of the cracker really helps bring all the flavors and textures together.
- This dip should only sit out for a maximum of 2 hours at room temperature. From there, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving again.
- This one is best to enjoy when fresh.
🍽️ More Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipes
This cream cheese walnut spread is another easy appetizer recipe everyone will love! The finely chopped walnuts leave a nutty taste with a smooth texture that is perfectly paired with your favorite cracker, fresh vegetables, olives, or even dried fruit! And these shrimp stuffed mushrooms are loaded with so much flavor and are super easy to make. Hearty and filling, these are filled with shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, and seasoned crouton. You can make them ahead of time and then just pop them in the oven when your ready to eat!
Make sure to check out my entire collection of appetizer recipes! Search through a large selection of appetizers that are perfect for family gatherings, social events, or just an evening hanging out with friends!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups frozen whole strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Put the frozen strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl.
- Allow the strawberries to thaw, about 45 minutes, and then mash the ingredients together using a hand held masher or a large fork. Expert Tip: You want the sauce to be a little bit chunky so don't completely mash all the strawberries.
- Remove the cream cheese from the package and place on a serving plate.
- Slowly spoon the strawberry sauce over the the block of cheese.
- Top with thinly sliced basil.
- Serve with your favorite crackers or pita chips. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Video
Notes
- The best way to soften cream cheese is to let it sit out at room temperature. When making this, I like to soften it at the same time the whole strawberries are thawing. Remove the cheese from the wrapping and set it on a plate. After about 30 minutes at room temperature, it will become soft and easy to slice into, as well as spread.
- Regular balsamic vinegar works well, but if you have a flavored balsamic vinegar, use it. I've used a cherry almond and a raspberry balsamic vinegar and the flavor was amazing. Balsamic reduction also works extremely well is this recipe. A reduction produces a thicker strawberry sauce.
- Some people refer to this as a spread and some call it a dip. Regardless, it's great when spread on top of bagels or crackers. It can also be stirred together and used as a dip for pita chips.
- I don't recommend freezing. When you freeze it and then let it thaw, the texture is not as creamy and it does not spread well.
- Both pita chips and crackers work well with this recipe. The crunch and granularity of the cracker really helps bring all the flavors and textures together.
- This dip should only sit out for 2 hours at room temperature. From there, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving again.
- This one is best to enjoy when fresh.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in May 2016, but was re-published with updated step-by-step instructions, pictures, and tips in July 2022.
Mary
Can I make this without vinegar?
Amanda Mason
You can, but it wont taste the same. It will taste good, but it wont taste the same.
Zhen
I love strawberries in summer and this was such an easy but novel way to use them!
Amanda Mason
Yep! This is the perfect summer recipe!
Kathie Schmid
When making the balsamic reduction, should I add the berries to the balsam simmer?
Amanda Mason
If I'm understanding your question correctly, yes. Put the frozen strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl.
Kathie Schmid
Thanks so much!
Amanda Mason
welcomme!
Sadie
Delicious a winner everyone loved it!
Amanda Mason
YEAH! So glad to hear it turned out so great!!
Laurie
Can you use fresh strawberries?
Amanda Mason
If you are in a pinch you can, but I don't recommend it because you won't get the best results. Fresh strawberries won't produce the same syrupy consistency that frozen strawberries will.
Karen Klarer
I’ve made this appetizer twice. First time as written and the second time with very ripe fresh strawberries and everyone loved it but agreed the flavor was best with the fresh strawberries. Great easy recipe that would be a success for any group. Thanks
Amanda Mason
So glad you all loved it and it's been a great success that everyone loves!! Thanks for the feedback on the fresh vs frozen strawberries!!!
Mary
Can this be made a day or two ahead?
Amanda Mason
It's best fresh. But you can make the sauce several days ahead of time and store it in a container until you are ready to pour it over the cream cheese.