July 4th garlic-herb dip



Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 0 min
Serves: 12
Easy


This fun starter will be the talk of your July 4th cookout. The dip itself is remarkably simple and delicious—a quick combo of yogurt, Neufchatel and Parmesan cheeses, Italian seasoning, and fresh garlic. And the decorations, which create an American flag design, aren’t just for looks. As your guests scoop into the dip, the soft roasted pepper pieces come along for the ride, adding sweetness with a hint of smoky essence. Serve with lots of crunchy crudités and tortilla chips.
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups plain fat free Greek yogurt
  • 8 oz Neufchâtel cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, grated
  • 12 oz roasted red peppers (packed in water), drained and patted dry
  • 5 tortilla chips (blue in color)

Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, beat the yogurt and Neufchatel with a mixer at medium speed until well blended, about 1 minute. Add the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic; beat at medium speed until well blended, about 30 seconds. Spread the mixture evenly into a (13 x 9–in) quarter sheet pan or the bottom of a 13 x 9–in baking dish.
  2. Cut the peppers into ¼-in-wide strips and arrange in rows over the cheese mixture in dish, leaving an empty spot in the top left corner for stars. Break the tortilla chips into pieces and arrange in the top left corner to resemble stars. Cover loosely and chill for 1 hour before serving.
  3. Serving Size: about 3 ½ tbsp dip