Layered Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Spread

Name: Layered Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 pkg. brick cream cheese, well chilled; 3 Tbsp. sun-dried tomatoes in oil, well drained; 3 Tbsp. artichoke hearts; 2 Tbsp. basil pesto; 2 Tbsp. smoked almonds; 2 tsp. fresh parsley; RITZ Crackers

This appetizer spread is so easy it will become a regular in your entertaining repertoire. Layers of cream cheese are covered with sun dried tomatoes and artichokes.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h 0 min

Servings:

Makes 12 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each.

Ingredient list

1 pkg. (8 oz.) brick cream cheese, well chilled
3 Tbsp. finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, well drained
3 Tbsp. finely chopped drained canned artichoke hearts
2 Tbsp. basil pesto
2 Tbsp. chopped smoked almonds
2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
RITZ Crackers

Directions

Cut cream cheese horizontally into 3 slices. (See Tip.) Place 1 slice on large sheet of plastic wrap; top with tomatoes and second cream cheese slice.

Combine artichokes and pesto; spoon over second cream cheese layer.

Top with remaining cream cheese slice, nuts and parsley; press nuts and parsley lightly into cream cheese to secure. Wrap with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate 1 hour.

Serve with the crackers.

Recipe Tips

How to Cut Cream Cheese with Dental Floss
Wrap 18-inch piece of dental floss around bottom third of cream cheese brick, overlapping ends. Pull ends steadily to cut the cream cheese into lengthwise slice as directed. Repeat to make 2 additional slices.
Substitute
Serve with WHEAT THINS Snacks or TRISCUIT Crackers instead of the RITZ Crackers. Makes 12 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 16 WHEAT THINS Snacks or 6 TRISCUIT Crackers each.
Note
This impressive, though easy-to-make, spread can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving. For easier spreading and best flavor, remove from refrigerator about 30 min. before serving.