I know. I say that all the time. BUT.
I really mean it. Really really.
I’d have to say this is in the top ten of things I’ve ever made. Yeah. For serious. Which is like… the top ten in a million things. Big deal.
And it totally took me by surprise. Gave me a big, fat punch of bewilderment square in the face.
I mean, I expected it to taste good. Obviously. But like… not THAT good.
My grandma always loved this little swiss almond cheese spread that came in a plastic container, and my mom still often buys it to serve with snacks and appetizers. It’s delicious smeared on crackers, but I decided it would be more delicious if someone combined a ton of toasted almonds with a few plentiful thousand handfuls of cheese.
I was right.
Happy happy joy joy.
I mean, just look at that hot, melty mess down there. I can’t even tell you how freaking good this is.
NOW MAKE IT FOR THE SUPER BOWL! Orrrr… just because you are awesome.
Toasted Almond Parmesan Dip
makes about 1 1/2 cups of dip
6 ounces cream cheese
2 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup sliced toasted almonds
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mascarpone, salt, pepper, nutmeg, parmesan and 1/2 cup almonds. Mix with a spoon to combine, then press into a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and top with remaining almonds. Serve with crackers and pita chips!
Note: you can use low-fat cream cheese since the mascarpone has fat in it; not sure about using fat-free.
You are awesome, right?
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That is one gorgeous bowl of hot mess! Is it bad that I want this dip for breakfast?
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that…
I would agree. It’s 10:15 in the morning and I want to dive head first into it!
Love it!
Droooooool. Is there anything better than hot cheese?
Hot cheese and something involving chocolate?
touche.
I AM awesome and this awesome dip does look absolutely perfect for the Superbowl!!!! This is good cause I’ve been looking for some interesting new dip recipes to bring along.
i happen to have a tub of swiss almond cheese spread in the office fridge right this moment. Always comes in handy when a snack-attack hits.
And you know I have a thing for dips, right? I have parties which the entire menu looks as follows:
buffalo chicken dip
barbeque chicken dip
pizza dip
cookie dough dip
yogurt fruit dip
taco dip
spinach dip
and a million things to dip with. [most things = bread. crackers. about seven carrots and a stalk or two of celery. more bread. a bread bowl to serve in. some bread sticks. some more crackers. maybe a pretzel. a sliced cucumber. Those mini rye bread things. Hawiian bread. homemade bread. storemade bread. and, generally, bread.
side note: nicholas seems to think cucumbers are a good dipping agent for cookie dough dip. Yes, I'm serious. YES, he made others try it, too. They may have agreed. be warned.
all this to say - HOORAY another dip to add to the rotation. [along with your Greek dip thing...i still havent broken out THAT recipe!]
looks like it’s time to get some bread.
Cucumber?! I guess you can pass that dip off as healthy then.
Included in the top ten of things you’ve ever made? My ears perked up when I read that. It means it’s amazing. Don’t get me wrong, it looks good…but I think the Snickers you made yesterday belongs smack dab in that top 10 list
Those crackers are looking pretty tasty too. What kind are they? Can’t wait to try this dip!
They are the whole grain + flaxseed pita crisps from Trader Joe’s. Our favorite crackers ever!
Bummer ~ no Trader Joe’s near me. Will have to find a sub. Thanks anyway!
My face hurts from wanting to eat this.
You had me at the word dip.. I could totally see this at a Super Bowl party next week…
Can you buy marscapone in small amounts? I worry about buying the big tub and letting it go to waste.
Genius recipe, as always!
I think the smallest tub I’ve seen is 8 ounces.
An amazing use for leftover marscapone (if there is such a thing) is to cook up some pineapple chunks in butter, drizzle with honey, toast some pine nuts then add them to the awesomeness. In a separate bowl, mix up your marscapone with honey (and or bourbon) to flavor. Put the pineapple/butter/honey/pine nuts awesomeness in a martini glass, top with a healthy (or not so healthy) dollop of marscapone and die happy. I mean enjoy. Because you’ll want to live to have that again. For every meal of your life.
This looks awesome…I’m glad you said just “how good” it is. I”m totally making it this weekend!
I hope it’s not a crime to forego the crackers and slam my face in the bowl.
Note to self: Stop typing inital thoughts. Others can see this.
I know what cheese spread you are talking about – yum. If this tastes anything like it, but in homemade form I am sure it’s amazing. Especially with the marscapone and sliced almonds – that is a great combo!
i feel like i can taste it already…and WOW! how about making it on a friday night when you’re likely going to be the only one home and will likely be watching ridiculously horrible movies you found in the RedBox at the grocery store?
not that i know anyone who will be doing that…
Mmmm! Isn’t it amazing how much more flavourful toasted almonds are in comparison to regular ones? I love your bright green bowl!
I hate to be Debbie Downer over here, but do you think I could substitute the almonds for anything else crunchy and amazing? I’m allergic to nuts, but this sounds so good!
Definitely! I’m sure it would taste okay without them, but the texture and crunchiness really does add to it. I’m not sure what could replace them tho… I will think about it and get back to you!
I wonder what the husband’s friends would think of his rockin wife if she brought this to the superbowl party!?!
Almonds = power food therefore this dip = power food, right?
Looks great! That means I’ll have to stop eating my fancy block of Parmesan cheese by the slice, though, which could be difficult. Time to buy some more!
I know exactly what cheese dip you are talking about from the g-store, this homemade version looks way better!
I looove cheese dips! This looks so easy and soooo amazing! Love your plates!
Not a big fan of dip but this I could be OK with:-D
Almonds + Cheese ?? Best. Thing. Ever. Soooo making it this weekend!
mmm… that looks delicious!
This looks delicious!!!
I need this!
Would it be bad if I said that I just want to eat it with a spoon? Or, even worse, with my hands?? Forget crackers….this bad boy looks amazing on its own!
ok that looks way too good. just bookmarked this recipe. haha
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it!
Holy cow, this dip looks too goo to be true. That cheesy goodness and toasted almonds combination is making my mouth water! I pinned this recipe, can’t wait to whip this one out!
I smell a Super Bowl snack….
Anything with mascarpone belongs in my mouth.
I literally went to write the same exact thing, looked up saw you had JUST written it. Agreed. I would marry marscapone if possible.
that looks absolutely fabulous! and makes me want this right now. too bad i don’t have anything except the almonds and the parmesan in my kitchen.
OMG that looks good, I need to give this a try!
Really cute tea towels too!!
Looks like a great dip for the Super Bowl! Or for any cold day.
~Emily~
You never fail on your dip recipes Jessica! I will certainly be trying this little gem soon. P.S. The crazy Greek dip is calling my name right now. Love that one too.
this looks unbelievably good. Love love love!
I want, but the husband can eat nuts…. : (
man–this looks really really interesting and i think i will just have to give it a try!! superbowl dip??
Totally making this for the super bowl!! And I’m not sharing
i live for dips. and cream cheese/mascarpone anything. perfection.
I definitely should make this. Along with the other million things I have bookmarked from your site!
This looks delicious!! I love a good dip!
O-M-G!!!!! This looks superb! I can’t tell you how much I love your site, great recipes, but even GREAT pictures. I aspire to food photography like yours!!!
We used to make a dip with farmer’s cheese, walnuts, bacon, caramelized onion and a creamy goat cheese. It smells like home to me.
I’m drooling.
You are a genius. This is definitely happening on Super Bowl Sunday and I fully expect every member of my family to kneel and worship the amazingness of this dip.
This looks absolutely amazing wow. I love every. single. ingredient.
Screw the crackers and give me a SPOON! love this!
Since it has almonds in it it’s healthy, yes? I’m with Laurie…no crackers needed for me to DEVOUR this.
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