Creamy Pesto-Cheese Spread

Prep Time: 0 Minutes

Cook Time: 0 Minutes

Ready In: 0 Minutes

Servings: 18

Prep: 17 minutes; other: 8 hours

Ingredients:

1 (8-ounce) block fat-free cream cheese

1/3 cup (1 1/3 ounces) shredded provolone cheese

3 tablespoons light mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic

2 tablespoons commercial pesto, divided

1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

36 (1/4-inch-thick) slices diagonally cut italian or french bread baguette

3/4 cup bottled or homemade marinara sauce

Directions:

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth.
2. Line a 10-ounce custard cup, small bowl, or 1-cup glass measuring cup with plastic wrap. Spread one-third of cheese mixture into bottom of prepared cup. Top with 1 tablespoon pesto, spreading to cover cream cheese mixture. Repeat procedure with one-third cheese mixture and remaining pesto; top with remaining cheese mixture. Tap cup gently against countertop to compact the layers. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill 8 hours or overnight.
3. Uncover and invert spread onto a serving plate; remove plastic wrap. Sprinkle sliced basil over top of spread. Serve with baguette slices and marinara sauce.

By RecipeOfHealth.com