Description
Caprese Dip
This Caprese Dip will be your new favorite appetizer! Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, this dip combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the gooey, melted goodness of cheeses. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a delicious, comforting appetizer. Serve it with crusty bread or your favorite chips and watch it disappear in no time!
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp basil pesto
5 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
8 oz shredded provolone
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Bread, chips, or crackers for serving
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss tomatoes with olive oil, pesto, garlic, salt, & pepper in baking dish. Bake 15 mins.
2. Mix sour cream, basil, mozzarella, provolone, & Parmesan.
3. Combine cheese mixture with roasted tomatoes. Top with halved tomatoes.
4. Bake 20 mins. Garnish with basil. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 219 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Caprese Dip every time. First, preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9-inch oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, basil pesto, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the tomatoes are evenly coated. Roast this mixture for 15 minutes; the tomatoes will soften and release their juices. While the tomatoes roast, prepare the cheese base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped fresh basil, cubed fresh mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated Parmesan. Stir until fully incorporated. Once the tomatoes are done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Pour the cheese mixture directly into the hot dish with the roasted tomatoes and gently fold everything together. For a beautiful presentation, top the dip with a handful of additional halved cherry tomatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Serving Suggestions
This warm, cheesy dip is incredibly versatile. For the classic experience, serve it with slices of a crusty baguette, toasted crostini, or thick-cut garlic bread. It also pairs wonderfully with sturdy crackers, pita chips, or pretzel crisps. For a lighter option, use fresh vegetable crudités like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves. To make it a meal, consider spooning the warm dip over grilled chicken breasts or using it as a decadent topping for baked potatoes.
How-to Summary
In brief: Roast tomatoes with pesto and garlic. Mix cheeses with sour cream and basil. Combine the two mixtures in the baking dish. Top with extra tomatoes and bake until golden and bubbly. Serve immediately while warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire dip (through step 3) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the final bake time.
What can I use instead of sour cream? Full-fat Greek yogurt or a ricotta cheese are excellent substitutes that will maintain the creamy texture and tangy flavor profile.
Can I use all shredded mozzarella instead of fresh? While fresh mozzarella provides delightful melty pockets, you can substitute with 2 cups of low-moisture, shredded mozzarella for convenience. The texture will be uniformly gooey.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Is there a way to make this dip spicier? Absolutely. Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture before the first bake, or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of chopped Calabrian chilis into the cheese mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using watery tomatoes, as they can make the dip runny; cherry or grape tomatoes are best. Do not overmix the cheese base once combined with the hot tomatoes, as it can break the emulsion and become greasy. Ensure your baking dish is the right size (too large will lead to over-browning, too small may cause overflow). Finally, do not skip the first roasting step, as it concentrates the tomato flavor and is key to the dip’s depth.
Conclusion
This Caprese Dip masterfully transforms the beloved flavors of a classic salad into a warm, shareable, and utterly irresistible appetizer. Its combination of roasted tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a trio of melted cheeses is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With the simple steps and tips provided, you can confidently create this standout dish that perfectly balances freshness and comforting richness.