I’ve been whipping up this Caprese Dip Recipe for gatherings and cozy nights in, and it never fails to impress. It’s the ultimate appetizer that beautifully combines the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad into a warm, cheesy dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something delicious to snack on while binge-watching your favorite series, this dip is perfect. The rich, gooey cheese melts into juicy cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic basil and garlic tie it all together.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Caprese dip is not just about the taste; it’s about ease and flexibility. You can whip it up in about 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! Using simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes and off-the-shelf pesto keeps costs down while still delivering big flavors.
“This dip is a game changer! It’s so easy to make, and my guests were raving about it. I’ll definitely be making it again!” – A Happy Home Cook
Preparing Caprese Dip Recipe
Before diving into the ingredients and cooking process, let’s get a quick overview of how to create this dish. You’ll start by roasting cherry tomatoes to coax out their sweetness, followed by mixing up the creamy cheese blend. The magic happens in the oven, where everything melds together into a gooey masterpiece.
Gather these items
You’ll need the following ingredients to create this scrumptious dip:
- 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 swap out the cheeses based on your preferences or what you have on hand!
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s get started on making this Caprese dip!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- In a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet, place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil. Then, add the basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if desired), and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the tomatoes are well-coated.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, mix together the sour cream and chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, stirring until well combined.
- Once the tomatoes are out of the oven, stir in the cheese mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Best ways to enjoy it
Caprese dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with crusty bread, crispy crackers, or even tortilla chips for a fun twist. It also works beautifully as part of a charcuterie board. Consider serving it alongside olives, salami, and some peppery arugula for a balanced and lovely appetizer spread.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem! To store your Caprese dip, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or you can microwave in short intervals until hot.
Helpful cooking tips
To make your Caprese dip even more delicious, consider roasting a few extra cherry tomatoes for garnishing when serving. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick, which can be tailored to your heat preference.
Creative twists
Looking to mix things up? Try adding some different ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor or sprinkle some balsamic glaze over the top right before serving for an extra layer of taste. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use low-fat cheese options.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for Caprese dip?
The total prep time is about 10 minutes, with around 30 minutes of cook time.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Just chop them into smaller pieces, and you may want to adjust the bake time slightly until tender.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing the container.
Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance, keeping the components separate until you are ready to bake. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
PrintCaprese Dip
A warm, cheesy dip that combines the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- In a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet, place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil. Then, add the basil pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss everything together.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, mix together the sour cream and chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, stirring until well combined.
- Once the tomatoes are out of the oven, stir in the cheese mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
