Layered Basil-Roasted Red Pepper Spread

Name: Layered Basil-Roasted Red Pepper Spread
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: ¼ cup roasted red peppers, divided; 5 black olives, chopped; 1 tub cream cheese spread; ¼ cup fresh basil; 1 clove garlic, peeled; 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds, toasted; RITZ Crackers

The party dazzler. That's you, when you arrive on the scene with roasted red peppers and olives layered with a creamy herb spread.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h 0 min

Servings:

Makes 1-3/4 cups spread, or 14 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each.

Ingredient list

¼ cup roasted red peppers, divided
5 pitted black olives, chopped
1 tub (12 oz.) cream cheese spread
¼ cup loosely packed fresh basil
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 Tbsp. sliced almonds, toasted
RITZ Crackers

Directions

Cut star shape from 1 pepper using 1/2-inch cookie cutter or sharp knife; reserve for later use. Chop pepper trimmings and remaining peppers; combine with olives.

Use pulsing action of blender to blend cream cheese spread, basil and garlic until smooth. Wash cream cheese tub; line with plastic wrap, with ends of wrap extending over side.

Spoon 1/2 cup cream cheese mixture into prepared tub; top with olive mixture and remaining cream cheese mixture. Press firmly into cup with back of spoon.

Refrigerate 1 hour.

Unmold cheese spread onto plate; discard plastic wrap. Top cheese spread with nuts and reserved pepper star as shown in photo.

Serve with the crackers.

Recipe Tips

Substitute
Prepare using reduced-fat cream cheese spread.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with your favorite crackers, such as WHEAT THINS Big Snacks or TRISCUIT Crackers, in addition to the RITZ Crackers. Makes 14 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread, and 11 WHEAT THINS Big Snacks or 6 TRISCUIT Crackers each.
Special Extra
For a holiday flair, serve with RITZ Snowflake Crackers.