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Caprese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 100 reviews

This Caprese Dip is a deliciously warm and cheesy appetizer inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. Roasted cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil pesto, and a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses combine for a creamy, flavorful dip. Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings, this dip pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

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, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, 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
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

For Serving

  • Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and place the rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking for the dip.
  2. Prepare Tomato Base: 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, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
  3. Roast Tomatoes: Bake the coated tomatoes for 15 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices, adding depth of flavor.
  4. Mix Cheese and Herbs: While the tomatoes roast, combine sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring gently to combine the mixture.
  5. Combine and Layer: Once roasted, add the cheese mixture directly to the tomatoes in the baking dish and toss lightly to combine. Slice the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them neatly on top of the cheese layer.
  6. Bake the Dip: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, the top becomes slightly golden, and the edges are bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil on top just before serving. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

  • If you prefer a milder dip, omit the red pepper flakes or use less.
  • Homemade basil pesto adds fresh flavor but store-bought works fine for convenience.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution, but any oven-safe baking dish will work.
  • This dip can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; just add a few extra minutes of baking time if cold from the fridge.
  • For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables instead of bread.

Keywords: Caprese Dip, Cheesy Tomato Dip, Italian Appetizer, Roasted Tomato Dip, Party Dip, Basil Pesto Dip

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