Description
This Caprese Dip recipe is a creamy, cheesy appetizer bursting with fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Roasted tomatoes and a trio of melted cheeses combine to create a rich, savory dip perfect for serving with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips. Easy to prepare and baked to bubbly, golden perfection, it makes an impressive party appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (divided: 1 cup whole, 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
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
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
- 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 position the oven rack in the middle. This ensures even baking for the dip.
- Prepare and Roast Tomatoes: In a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet, place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, then add basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Place in the oven and roast for 15 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Mix Cheese and Basil Cream: While the tomatoes roast, combine the sour cream and fresh chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan cheese, mixing gently to form a creamy cheese mixture.
- Combine Tomatoes and Cheese: Remove the roasting dish from the oven. Add the cheese mixture to the roasted tomatoes and carefully toss to combine all ingredients. Then, cut the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Bake until the cheese has melted completely, the top turns slightly golden, and edges are bubbling hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their fresh flavor. Serve the dip warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting and texture.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon dried basil, but fresh is recommended for flavor.
- Adjust seasoning including salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste before baking.
- This dip is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks.
