Caprese Dip Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Caprese Dip is the perfect blend of fresh flavors and creamy goodness. Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this dip combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and fresh basil. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, this dip is sure to please everyone.

How to Make Caprese Dip

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
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
2. Add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes to the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and top with pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat the tomatoes. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. While they’re roasting, stir together the sour cream and basil. Add the fresh mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
4. When the tomatoes are done, add the cheese mixture to the roasted tomatoes and toss to combine. Cut the remaining cup of tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese.
5. Bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling. Top with fresh basil just before serving (not sooner). Serve with your favorite bread, chips, or crackers.

How to Serve Caprese Dip

Serve the Caprese Dip warm right from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it alongside extra fresh basil leaves to enhance the presentation and flavor.

How to Store Caprese Dip

If you have leftovers, let the dip cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Caprese Dip

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the tomatoes before baking.
• If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
• Make sure to use fresh basil for the best flavor and aroma.

Variation

You can easily customize this dip by adding ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even cooked sausage for added protein.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving.

Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! You can mix and match with cheeses like goat cheese or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with this dip besides bread?
This dip goes well with a variety of dippers, including crackers, tortilla chips, or even fresh vegetables like carrot sticks and bell pepper slices.