Italian Layer Dip
 
Ingredients
Base
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (full fat is thicker and holds up better)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ⅛ t. salt
  • 2 T. fresh parsley, minced
  • 2 T. grated Parmesan
Topping
  • 3 roma tomatoes (1 cup) deseeded and diced
  • 2 T. finely chopped red onion
  • 2 T. chiffonade basil
  • ⅛ t. garlic paste
  • 2 T. olive oil
  • 2 T. balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper
  • Additional basil for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan
Instructions
Base
  1. Combine the cheeses until smooth.
  2. Stir in salt, parsley, and parmesan.
  3. Spread on the bottom of a plate or pie pan.
Topping
  1. Combine all topping ingredients in a bowl. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Let sit for an hour.
  3. Using a slotted spoon to let as much of the liquid off as possible put on top of the cheese layer.
  4. Garnish with additional basil and freshly grated parmesan.
  5. Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
Serve with bagel chips or thinly slices baguettes that you toast in the oven.

To make ahead, combine the ingredients for the base and store in the fridge until ready to use. Do the same with the topping (storing in a different container). They can remain in the fridge for several days. Before serving, spread the base on your plate/platter and make sure to use the slotted spoon to scoop the tomatoes on the top.
Recipe by From This Kitchen Table at https://www.fromthiskitchentable.com/italian-layer-dip-3/