LAYERED BASIL CHEESE SPREAD

Layered Basil Cheese Spread image

Provided by Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 28 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tubs (8 oz. each) whipped cream cheese
1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup firmly packed fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds*
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
Keebler® Town House Toppers® Original Crackers
- or -
Keebler® Town House® Original Crackers

Steps:

Line 3-1/2-to 4-cup bowl or mold with plastic wrap, allowing excess wrap to extend over sides. Set aside.
In medium bowl gently stir together cream cheese and tomato. Set aside.
In food processor bowl combine basil, parmesan cheese, parsley, pine nuts and garlic. Cover and process until very finely chopped. With food processor running, slowly add oil through feed tube. Process until mixture is consistency of soft butter.
Spread one-third of cream cheese mixture in prepared bowl. Top with one-half of basil mixture. Repeat layers. Spread remaining cheese mixture on top. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
On serving plate invert bowl. Remove plastic wrap. Garnish with tomato and fresh basil, if desired. Serve with crackers.