[Recipe] Pesto Cheese Blossom

The Pesto Cheese Blossom is one of our all time favorites!  Not only is it absolutely delicious, it can be made ahead of time and frozen which is great for busy holiday schedules!  We recommend making a few of these at a time so that you can pull them out of the freezer the day before a party and you have an amazing appetizer to bring with you.  Happy cooking!

-Pure Modern Living

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to cover the top. Reserving 3 slices of the provolone. Line the bottom and sides of the bowl with the remaining provolone, overlapping the slices.

For the cream cheese layer, process the cream cheese, pistachios, and 1 garlic clove in a food processor until blended. Scrape the mixture into a bowl and set aside.

For the pesto layer, process the basil, parsley, pine nuts, and remaining garlic clove in the food processor until blended. Dissolve the salt and pepper in the olive oil and mix well.

With the machine running, add the oil in a fine stream. Scrape this mixture into a second bowl and set aside.

For the tomato layer, drain the tomatoes, reserving the oil. Puree the tomatoes with a small amount of the reserved oil in a food processor.

Spread some of the cream cheese mixture over the cheese slices lining the bowl. Layer the pesto mixture, half the remaining cream cheese mixture, the sun dried tomato mixture, and then the remaining cream cheese mixture in the bowl. Cover with the remaining provolone. Bring the edges of the plastic wrap together over the top and secure with a twist tie. Freeze until firm. Remove the plastic wrap and invert the mold onto a serving platter. Serve party with crackers. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months and the freezer for a year. If frozen, pull out and put in the refrigerator 24 hours prior to serving.

PRO TIPS:

If you want to cut down on prep time, purchase the basil already made!

Make a few of these ahead of time and keep them in the freezer.  When you need a great appetizer for a party just pull out of the freezer the day before!

Photo Credit: © paula deen