If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines freshness, gooey cheese, and bold flavors, this Caprese Dip Recipe is your new secret weapon. Loaded with ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a blend of cheeses, it bakes into a warm, irresistible dip that perfectly captures the spirit of a classic Caprese salad but with that cozy, comforting twist. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a summer party, or simply craving something delicious, this dip brings a burst of Italian-inspired flavor that’s wonderfully easy to make and utterly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caprese Dip Recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from juicy cherry tomatoes providing a bright pop, to creamy cheeses offering that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and fresh basil adding herbal brightness that lifts every bite.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes: Choose firm and ripe for the sweetest, juiciest flavor that roasts beautifully.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds richness and helps roast the tomatoes perfectly.
- 2 Tablespoons basil pesto: Boosts freshness and deepens the basil flavor with a hint of nuttiness.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant punch that ties the whole dip together.
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential to balance and enhance the flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a creamy tanginess that lightens the cheese richness.
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil: Fresh herbs give that unmistakable Caprese signature and gorgeous color.
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy texture.
- 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese: Provides a slightly sharp and smoky undertone to the cheese blend.
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory intensity and a nutty finish.
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving: Choose your favorite dippers to scoop up every last bite.
How to Make Caprese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and positioning the rack in the middle. Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then mix in the basil pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the tomatoes are fully coated. Roast these vibrant tomatoes for 15 minutes until they are soft and bursting with flavor—this roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and aroma, forming the flavorful base of our dip.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Herb Mixture
While the tomatoes are roasting, whisk together the sour cream and chopped fresh basil for a smooth, herby creaminess. Then, stir in the chunks of low-moisture mozzarella, shredded provolone, and the freshly grated parmesan cheese. This luscious cheese blend is where the magic happens, giving the dip that bubbly, melty, irresistible texture and taste.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Once the tomatoes are done roasting, add the cheese mixture directly into the dish and toss everything together gently. To keep things fresh and vibrant, cut the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and scatter them on top of the cheesy layer. Pop the dish back into the oven for another 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling beautifully. The result is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful dip with a slightly crispy top that invites you to dig right in.
How to Serve Caprese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top of this delightful dip to brighten the flavors and add an inviting pop of green. The fresh herb aroma is the perfect final touch that captures the essence of classic Caprese while beautifully contrasting the warm, cheesy base.
Side Dishes
Serve this dip alongside crusty bread, crunchy crackers, or even tortilla chips to provide textural variety and make for hearty scoops. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or grilled veggies to keep your spread balanced and fresh, perfect for warm weather gatherings or casual parties.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve this dip in a rustic cast iron skillet or a colorful ceramic baking dish for rustic charm. You can even present it deconstructed by layering the ingredients in a beautiful glass baking dish so guests can see the luscious layers before baking, building anticipation as the aroma fills the room.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover dip to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently to restore its melty goodness.
Freezing
This dip is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container after cooling for up to 2 months. Be aware that freezing may slightly change the texture of the cheeses and tomatoes, so thaw slowly in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dip with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without breaking the cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of low-moisture mozzarella?
While regular mozzarella can work, low-moisture mozzarella is preferred for this recipe because it melts better without releasing too much water, which keeps the dip from becoming watery.
Is it possible to make this dip without sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt or cream cheese if you prefer, but sour cream adds a nice tang that complements the tomatoes and basil perfectly.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
You can assemble the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the dip just before serving to keep it warm and bubbly. If needed, prep the tomato mixture and cheese blend separately and combine just before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any uneaten dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute dairy cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives and use a plant-based sour cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary but it will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Caprese Dip Recipe, it will become your go-to appetizer for every get-together. The mix of warm, melty cheese combined with fresh, vibrant tomatoes and basil is pure comfort wrapped in Italian charm. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed by how quickly this dip disappears from the table, and you might just find yourself craving it again and again!
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Caprese Dip Recipe
This warm Caprese Dip is a deliciously cheesy and flavorful appetizer perfect for summer gatherings. Featuring roasted cherry tomatoes infused with garlic and basil pesto, layered with a blend of creamy sour cream and three types of cheese, this dip offers a rich and comforting texture. Serve it fresh out of the oven with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
Roasted Tomato Base
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (divided into 1 cup whole and 1 cup halved)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil (divided for mixing and topping)
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks
- 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position. Add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes to the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then add basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Bake this mixture for 15 minutes to roast and soften the tomatoes while infusing flavors.
- Mix Cheese and Herb Base: While the tomatoes roast, stir together the sour cream and 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil in a mixing bowl. Add the chunks of fresh mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan cheese to the sour cream and basil mixture, blending thoroughly to combine all the cheeses and herbs.
- Combine and Layer: When the tomatoes have finished roasting, remove the dish from the oven and add the cheese mixture directly to the roasted tomatoes. Toss gently to combine all components evenly. Next, cut the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them in an even layer over the top of the cheese and tomato mixture.
- Bake the Dip: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. The cheese should melt fully, with the top turning slightly golden and the edges bubbling nicely. This step ensures the dip is hot, melted, and perfectly melded in flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil over the hot dip to preserve its vibrant flavor and color. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy the warm, creamy Caprese Dip.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the roasted tomato base.
- Make sure not to add fresh basil before baking as it wilts and loses its bright flavor; add it only before serving.
- This dip is best served warm; reheat gently if needed.
- Low-moisture mozzarella is preferred to avoid excess water in the dip.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
