Cheese Dip with Tomato & Garlic

This warm, surprising appetizer brings together whipped Tropical Queso Fresco and slow-roasted cherry tomatoes for a dip that’s easy yet elevated. Queso Fresco blends with Tropical Crema Centroamericana to create a smooth, lightly tangy base, while the tomatoes roast down into sweet, jammy bursts of flavor with garlic and thyme. Finished with a drizzle of honey and served with toasted bread, this Cheese Dip with Tomato & Garlic brings bold flavor to the table and keeps everyone coming back for another scoop.

Simple ingredients, bold contrast, creamy, savory, sweet, and just a little garlicky. What else can we ask for?

Ingredients

Whipped Queso Fresco:

• 8 oz Tropical Queso Fresco  
• ⅓ cup Tropical Crema Centroamericana
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey

For the roasted tomatoes:

• 10–12 oz cherry tomatoes
• 1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

For serving:

• 1 small baguette, sliced
• Olive oil, as needed
• 2 tbsp honey (for finishing)

Preparation

1. To roast the tomatoes, preheat oven to 350°F. In a small baking dish, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes and gently toss to coat.
2. Roast for about 15 minutes, until the tomatoes soften, begin to blister, and release their juices. Let cool slightly.
3. Whipped Queso Fresco: In a food processor or blender, combine the Queso Fresco, Crema, olive oil, and honey. Blend just until smooth and spreadable. Avoid overprocessing; the texture should be creamy but not overly loose.
4. Brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Toast in a skillet, under the broiler, or in the oven until golden and crisp on both sides.
5. Spread the whipped cheese onto a shallow serving plate. Using the back of a spoon, create soft swirls or a slight indentation in the center. Spoon the roasted tomatoes and some of their juices over the top. Finish with a light drizzle of honey. Serve immediately with the warm toasted bread.