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This easy sun-dried tomato spread is made with oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. It comes together in just 5 minutes and makes an easy appetizer for a charcuterie board, crackers, or toasted bread.
An Easy Appetizer Spread
I first made this sun-dried tomato spread for my nephew's wedding. My husband and I prepared all the food for 150 people, including a large grazing table for the outdoor reception.
I needed appetizers I could make ahead of time that would be easy to serve. This spread was a great addition to the table, and I've made it many times since.
It's quick to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is easy to serve with crackers or toasted bread.
Some other items I made for the appetizer table were an olive tapenade, garlic hummus, roasted bell pepper hummus, and Boursin cheese spread.
Since the wedding, I have made this tomato spread several times. It's just so good!
Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. You'll use both the tomatoes and some of the oil from the jar.
- Fresh basil: Adds fresh basil flavor that pairs well with the tomatoes.
- Garlic: Use a fresh garlic clove.
- Salt: Just a small amount brings the flavors together.
Step-by-step directions
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes along with the oil from the jar, basil, garlic, olive oil, and salt to a food processor.
- Pulse until the tomatoes are broken down and everything is well combined. Don't overprocess. You want the spread to retain some texture.
- Add additional olive oil, if needed, until the spread reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe tips
- Cut large tomatoes first: If your sun-dried tomatoes are whole or in large pieces, roughly chop them before adding them to the food processor. This helps everything process more evenly.
- Don't overprocess: Pulse just until the tomatoes are broken down and the ingredients are combined. The spread should still have some texture.
- Adjust to your taste: Add a little more garlic or fresh basil if you'd like. You can also add additional olive oil to make the spread a bit looser.
- Let it soften before serving: The spread firms up when refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving so it's easier to spread.
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Serve this spread with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crostini. It's also an easy addition to a charcuterie board or appetizer tray.
You can serve it straight from a small bowl or spread it onto toasted bread before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Soak the sun-dried tomatoes in very hot water until they are soft and pliable, then drain them well before using. Because they aren't packed in oil, you may need to add additional olive oil when processing the spread to get the right consistency.
More delicious appetizers
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious appetizers!
Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 7 ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, 1 cup)
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the sun-dried tomatoes along with the oil from the jar, basil, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a food processor.7 ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup chopped fresh basil, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pulse until the tomatoes are broken down and the mixture is combined but still has some texture.
- Add additional olive oil, if needed, to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- If the sun-dried tomatoes are whole or in large pieces, roughly chop them before adding them to the food processor.
- Don't overprocess. The spread should retain some texture.
- Adjust the garlic and basil to suit your taste.
- Add additional olive oil if you'd like a looser consistency.
- The spread firms up when refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving so it's easier to spread.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Sindu says
Easy and fast to make. So delicious! Took this to a picnic with my very picky family and it was a huge hit. Definitely will be making this again.
Kathy says
Yay!!! That's a huge win!!! Thanks so much! 🙂
Riley says
Absolutely fab recipe! Super simple, yet so delicious! I add some pumpkin seeds as well as hemp seeds for some extra nutrition and flavour 🙂
Kathy says
Thanks so much! Love the addition of the seed too! 🙂