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Caprese Dip Recipe

Caprese Dip Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

This Caprese Dip is a deliciously cheesy and savory appetizer inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. Roasted cherry tomatoes infused with garlic and basil pesto are combined with a creamy blend of sour cream and three kinds of cheese, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Served with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips, it’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

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
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, a pinch

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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare Tomato Base: In a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet, place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, then add basil pesto, minced garlic, optional red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently until tomatoes are well coated.
  3. Roast Tomatoes: Bake the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices, which builds rich flavor.
  4. Mix Cheese Base: While the tomatoes roast, in a bowl combine sour cream and fresh chopped basil. Add the chunks of mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing to combine evenly.
  5. Combine Tomatoes and Cheese: Remove the tomatoes from the oven and add the cheese mixture to the roasting dish. Toss everything together carefully so that the cheese blends with the warm tomatoes.
  6. Add Remaining Tomatoes: Slice the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
  7. Bake Dip: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh basil over the top just before serving. Enjoy warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the tomato base before roasting.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but low-moisture mozzarella helps maintain structure when melted.
  • Homemade basil pesto adds extra freshness but store-bought works well for convenience.
  • This dip can be prepared ahead by roasting tomatoes and mixing cheese base; assemble and bake just before serving.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese Dip, baked cheese dip, Italian appetizer, tomato and cheese dip, party dip, basil pesto dip

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