Caprese Dip Recipe
When I think of summer gatherings or cozy winter evenings in with friends, this Caprese dip always comes to mind. It’s everything we love about a classic Caprese salad—fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella—turned into a warm, cheesey dip. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up and takes hardly any time at all. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun snack to enjoy while binge-watching your favorite series, this dish will add a touch of warmth and flavor to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Caprese dip a must-try is its delightful harmony of flavors and its comforting warmth. It combines the freshness of ingredients with the delightful cheesiness we all crave, and it comes together in just a few quick steps. This dip is perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a snack at home.
"I made this for a gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! The flavors are incredible, and it disappears fast!" – happy home chef.
How to Make Caprese Dip Recipe
Creating this delicious Caprese dip is so much easier than you might think. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a bubbly, cheesy appetizer that everyone will love. Let’s gather our ingredients:
Ingredients
- 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
Substitution Tips:
- Swap the mozzarella for burrata for an extra creamy texture.
- Use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season for a sweeter flavor.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier option.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and place your oven rack in the center.
- In a 2-quart baking dish or a cast iron skillet, add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil, and then top them with pesto, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat all the tomatoes.
- Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 15 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, in a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and fresh basil.
- Add the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan to the sour cream mixture, stirring to combine well.
- Once the tomatoes are done roasting, gently add the cheese mixture on top and toss to combine.
- Cut the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and layer them on top of the cheese mixture.
- Bake everything for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling.
- Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite crusty bread, chips, or crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This delectable Caprese dip shines as a star dish but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing arugula salad drizzled with balsamic glaze, or perhaps some crunchy veggie sticks for a healthy contrast. It can also be a great complement to a charcuterie board, offering a mix of textures and flavors. Enjoy it at a summer picnic or a cozy movie night in!
Storage & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store the Caprese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or you can microwave portions in short bursts until hot. Understandably, the fresh taste may wane a bit, but it still makes for a lovely snack.
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as fontina or gouda for a unique twist.
- Don’t skip the fresh basil topping—it adds a fresh burst that elevates the dish!
Variations
Feeling creative? Here are some variations to shake things up:
- Spicy Caprese Dip: Add some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a kick.
- Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate olives or artichoke hearts into the mix for a Mediterranean take.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for a low-carb alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes work great, grape tomatoes or even heirloom tomatoes can add a different flavor profile.
2. Is it okay to use different cheeses?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up with cheeses you love, but be mindful of moisture content.
3. Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
You can prep the mixture and store it in the fridge, then bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Internal Links:
- Easy Summer Appetizers
- Homemade Pesto Recipe
Caprese Dip
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, cheesy dip inspired by classic Caprese salad, perfect for gatherings and snacks.
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 and place your oven rack in the center.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.
- Top the tomatoes with pesto, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes.
- Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 15 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, combine sour cream and fresh basil in a separate bowl.
- Add mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan to the sour cream mixture and stir to combine.
- Once the tomatoes are done roasting, gently add the cheese mixture on top and toss to combine.
- Cut the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and layer them on top of the cheese mixture.
- Bake everything for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving and enjoy with your favorite crusty bread, chips, or crackers.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, add red pepper flakes or drizzle with balsamic reduction. Different cheeses can also be used for unique twists.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg