Description
This Caprese Dip is a deliciously creamy and cheesy appetizer inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. Featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, combined with basil pesto and fresh herbs, it’s baked to perfection and served warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this dip balances rich, savory flavors with fresh, vibrant notes.
Ingredients
Roasted 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
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Cheese and Cream 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
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
To Serve
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, add basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Bake for 15 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Mix Cheese and Cream: While the tomatoes roast, combine sour cream and fresh chopped basil in a bowl. Add chunks of mozzarella, shredded provolone, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Combine and Bake Again: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and add the cheese and sour cream mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly. Slice the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture. Return to the oven to bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm with your choice of crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to maintain the vibrant color and flavor.
- Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended to prevent excess water in the dip.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a ceramic or glass baking dish will work fine.
- Let the dip cool slightly before serving to help it thicken a bit for easier dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
