Caprese Dip Recipe: A Cheesy, Flavorful Delight
There’s just something special about a warm, cheesy dip that brings friends and family together, and the Caprese Dip is no exception. With its vibrant combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. I first whipped up this dip for a casual get-together, and it quickly became a favorite that everyone requested again and again. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy yet impressive dish for a weeknight dinner, this Caprese Dip will surely steal the show.
You’ll Love This Dish Because…
Imagine diving into a creamy dip bursting with the flavors of summer. This Caprese Dip captures the essence of a classic Caprese salad, but in a warm, cheesy form. It’s not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to how quickly it comes together in the oven. You’ll appreciate the minimal prep time and fresh ingredients that make this dip both kid-approved and adult-friendly.
To put it simply:
"This dip is a crowd-pleaser! I served it at my last dinner party, and it disappeared within minutes! The blend of cheeses with the freshness of basil and tomatoes is just perfect." — A Happy Home Cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Before you dive into the magic of the oven, let’s break down how this all works. The dip starts with whole cherry tomatoes roasting to delicious perfection. While those are baking away, you’ll whip together a creamy cheese mixture with a touch of fresh basil. In just a few simple steps, you’ll combine everything and finish baking until everything is melted and bubbly. The result? A dip that not only looks stunning but tastes heavenly!
What You’ll Need for Caprese Dip
Before you get cooking, gather these items to make the Caprese Dip truly shine:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese (cut into chunks)
- 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving
Feel free to experiment with variations—like using fresh herbs instead of pesto for a lighter taste—or swapping out cheeses based on what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
Prepare the tomatoes: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in a 2-quart baking dish or a cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and top with pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes.
Roast the tomatoes: Bake the tomatoes for about 15 minutes until they start to soften.
Mix the creamy ingredients: While the tomatoes are roasting, combine the sour cream and chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan, stirring until well combined.
Combine and top: Once the tomatoes are done, gently add the cheese mixture to the dish and toss with the roasted tomatoes. Halve the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture.
Final bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is golden, and the edges are bubbling.
Serve warm: Just before serving, top with fresh basil for a vibrant touch. Pair with your favorite crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Caprese Dip is a versatile dish that shines at parties or cozy nights at home. Serve it alongside a fresh, crispy salad for a light meal, or present it as the star of your appetizer table. Pair it with some white wine or bubbly to complement the flavors—think Prosecco or a light Sauvignon Blanc.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them. Place the dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that melty texture intact!
Pro Chef Tips for Success
- Quality matters: Use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to cheese and tomatoes, as they greatly enhance the flavor.
- Herb freshness: Add fresh herbs just before serving to keep their flavor bright and vivid.
- Experiment with spices: If you like a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
Creative Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few twists you can incorporate:
- Add protein: Crumbled Italian sausage or even diced chicken can turn this dip into a heartier dish.
- Different cheeses: Swap out provolone for gouda or fontina for a unique flavor profile.
- Fresh vegetables: Mix in some chopped bell peppers or roasted red peppers for added texture and color.
Common Questions Answered
What is the prep time for this Caprese Dip?
The prep time is about 10-15 minutes, with a total cook time of around 35 minutes.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
How can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream, giving you a similar creaminess with added protein.
With this creamy and flavorful Caprese Dip recipe in your arsenal, you’re set to impress at your next gathering or simply indulge in a bit of cheesy goodness at home. And trust me, one bite will leave everyone asking for the secret!
Print
Caprese Dip
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, cheesy dip combining cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey cheese, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese (cut into chunks)
- 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, add pesto, garlic, and season to taste.
- Bake the tomatoes for about 15 minutes until softened.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, chopped basil, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
- After roasting, gently add the cheese mixture to the tomatoes and arrange halved tomatoes on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with fresh basil and serve warm with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg