Print

Caprese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 558 reviews

This vibrant Caprese Dip combines roasted cherry tomatoes with a blend of creamy cheeses and fresh basil pesto, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, it’s served warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Mixture

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 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

For Serving

  • Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare tomato base: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes if using, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat all the tomatoes evenly. Bake for 15 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
  3. Mix cheese blend: While the tomatoes roast, stir together the sour cream and fresh chopped basil in a mixing bowl. Add the chunks of low-moisture mozzarella, shredded provolone cheese, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine all the cheeses with the sour cream and basil.
  4. Combine and top: Once the tomatoes are roasted, add the cheese mixture directly into the baking dish with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. Cut the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture for extra freshness and visual appeal.
  5. Bake to finish: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling hot.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil over the top just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

  • If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and pesto.
  • Using low-moisture mozzarella helps achieve a better melt without excess moisture.
  • This dip can be prepared ahead; assemble but do not bake, then refrigerate and bake just before serving.
  • For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if possible for even baking and a rustic presentation.

Keywords: Caprese Dip, Italian appetizer, baked cheese dip, cherry tomato dip, party appetizer, baked Caprese, cheese and tomato dip

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/caprese-dip-recipe/