I’ve been wanting to make this Whipped Pesto Spread and Dip for probably 3 months now, but other priorities got in the way. What was I thinking? It’s fast, easy, and delicious. I ate my first test batch in almost one sitting. In addition to simple, this one is also versatile. Continue reading for my suggested variations.
Here are two versions of this Whipped Pesto that you can make, depending on how you would like to use it.
Option 1: Whipped Pesto Spread
This version has a more muted flavor that makes it a perfect dollop on a canape with a small bite of meat or cheese.
Option 2: Whipped Pesto Dip
This dip is the more flavor intense version that is meant to be the “star of the show” and served with dippers like raw veggies or low carb chips or crackers. You can use this version on canapes too, but in this case, you can pair it with the stronger flavors and still expect it to stand out.
Whichever version you choose, you’ll have a terrific addition to your dinner party.
What You Need to Make Whipped Pesto Spread and Dip
Equipment
- Stand Mixer OR Hand Mixer and Large Bowl
- Measuring Spoon
- Measuring Cups – I suggest a plunger-style measuring cup in addition to a regular dry measure cup for the Parmesan.
Ingredients
- Heavy Cream
- Pesto – I use store bought pesto, specifically the large jar that I find at Sam’s. You could definitely make your own or use your favorite brand. This is one of the areas in which I choose to spend my time budget elsewhere.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – For this recipe, I use the grated version in a jar. I prefer grated in this case because it produces a more even texture.
Getting Started on Making Whipped Pesto Spread and Dip
Okay, this one is pretty quick and easy. We’re basically starting off by making non-sweet whipped cream. Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into your stand mixer and turn it on medium speed. Let it go for about 60 seconds. Keep an eye on it; and when you’re starting to see some foaming, turn up the speed another notch or two. Let it go until stiff peaks form.
If you want to make the Whipped Pesto Spread version:
Gently fold in ½ cup of grated Parmesan and ¼ cup of pesto, trying to maintain as much of the fluffiness as possible.
Spread this on keto toast points, chips, or crackers. Then top it with some strongly flavored meat and/or cheese, such as Manchego, prosciutto, spicy pepperoni, or hot pepper slices. Because this is a milder flavor, you can also use this as a dip with something like Parmesan crisps or cheddar crisps. Don’t serve this version with grape tomato slices as the acidity overpowers the more delicate flavor.
If, on the other hand, you are making this as a dip, then fold in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of pesto. You are still trying to maintain some of the fluffiness, but the increased density of the Parmesan and pesto is going to turn this into a thicker dip like texture rather than a smoother whipped spread. (And that’s quite alright.)
Lori Note: The Dip version will lose most of its fluffiness and that’s fine. The density of that much Parmesan cheese is great for flavor but no version of fluffy.
Either serve this as a dip with veggie dippers or on plain keto toast points, chips, or crackers and maybe top it with a pretty little slice of a grape tomato.
Some of my favorite veggie dippers are: bell pepper planks, broccoli, carrots, thick sliced mushrooms, or cauliflower.
Some Ideas for How to Use Whipped Pesto Spread and Dip
- Prosciutto & Pesto Canapes
- Soppressata and Manchego Canapes
- Whipped Pesto Dip with Veggie Dippers or Easy Keto Pita Chips
Whipped Pesto Spread
Whipped Pesto Dip
These are my suggestions. Have fun and experiment at will!
Whipped Pesto
Ingredients
For Either Variation:
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
For Whipped Pesto Spread:
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
- ¼ cup Pesto
For Whipped Pesto Dip:
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
- ½ cup Pesto
Instructions
For Whipped Pesto Spread
- Pour 2 cups Heavy Cream into a stand mixer and beat until stiff peaks form. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, then just pour it into a large bowl and use a hand mixer to do the same thing.)2 cups Heavy Cream
- Gently fold in ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated) and ¼ cup Pesto. Try to maintain as much fluffiness as possible.½ cup Parmesan Cheese, ¼ cup Pesto
- Spread on keto toast points, chips, or crackers and top with a small, strongly flavored piece of meat and / or cheese. (See Notes for suggestions.)
For Whipped Pesto Dip
- Pour 2 cups Heavy Cream into a stand mixer and beat until stiff peaks form.2 cups Heavy Cream
- Gently fold in 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated) and ½ cup Pesto. Try to maintain as much fluffiness as possible; however, expect it to become thicker and no longer resemble a whipped spread.1 cup Parmesan Cheese, ½ cup Pesto
- Serve as a dip with your favorite veggie dippers or spread on keto toast points, chips, or crackers and maybe top with a slice of grape tomato. (See Notes for suggestions.)
Equipment
- Measuring Spoon
- Measuring Cups
Notes
- Serving the “lighter” Whipped Pesto Spread Version of this Recipe
- In this version, the spread is a team player and acts as a complement to other food. Some suggestions include:
- Serve with strongly flavored keto chips like Parmesan crisps or cheddar crisps.
- Spread on a plain keto toast point and top with meat, cheese, or other bite that’s got a kick, such as spicy pepperoni or hot pepper rings.
- I don’t suggest serving this version with the cute little slice of grape tomato. The acidity is too much for the spread.) Save that for the “star of the show” version.
- In this version, the spread is a team player and acts as a complement to other food. Some suggestions include:
- Serving the “star of the show” Whipped Pesto Dip Version of this Recipe
- This version is meant to stand out, so it works well as a dip or as a spread (although a thicker one).
- This version is great on a plain cracker, topped with a small slice of grape tomato.
- Serve with veggie dippers.
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