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.
Ann
This is always a fan favorite! I have never tried adding basil to the mix - sounds delicious! Thanks for the share!
Amanda Mason
You are going to love this cream cheese dip! It's the best appetizer!
Savita
Such a delicious cream cheese appetizer. Strawberries are adding so much flavor to it.
Amanda Mason
yes, it's unbelievably flavorful - that's for sure!
Luke
The perfect summer dip; I'm going to make this over the weekend; the kids will love this 🙂
Amanda Mason
It's one of my most popular appetizer recipes! Enjoy!
Vicki
Very good and easy to make. Used balsamic sauce and served with pita chips and crackers.
Amanda Mason
SO glad you loved it, Vicki! This is one of those recipes that everyone just loves!
Nicole
Have you ever tried this with goat cheese?
Amanda Mason
I haven't but I know it would be amazing! Definitely give it a go!
Nance
this sounds amazing. How do you figure how many strawberries are in a cup and a half?
Amanda Mason
What I do is pull out my 2 cup measuring cup and just pour the strawberries in until it fills to the 1.5 cup line. It's easy peasy 🙂
Lucy
What else can be used with strawberry cream cheese dip...maybe graham crackers or Lorna donned or celery reply if you can. Lucy lam35@roadrunner. Com t y
Amanda Mason
Hi Lucy! Such a GREAT question! This would be good with yogurt, in cottage cheese, and oatmeal!
Melissa
Could I make this with any frozen fruit?
Amanda Mason
You can!!
Liz
Can you use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones?
Amanda Mason
No - you'll never get the syrup in the right consistency.
Cynthia
Can I use something other than balsamic vinegar?
Amanda Mason
I've never made this recipe without balsamic vinegar BUT if you don't like balsamic or if you don't have any, just leave it out. Some fresh lime juice might also taste good. Perhaps 1-2 teaspoons. But I've never tried that before.
Dorri
I used fresh strawberries. I chopped and put in a saucepan with sugar and cooked them
Down just until saucy. Perfect
Amanda Mason
Perfect, Dorri!! So glad you liked the recipe!!!
Lynn
We don’t have the brick style a Philadelphia here, I actually miss it! Do you the the one that comes in the tub (which is all you can find in the UK) will work for this?
Amanda Mason
It would absolutely work! Find a cute cookie cutter and fill it in with cream cheese to make it even cuter!!