Caprese Dip Recipe: A Cozy Delight for Any Gathering
There’s something so heartwarming about gathering with friends and family, isn’t there? The laughter, the little stories shared, and, of course, the delicious food that brings everyone together. Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful and irresistible Caprese Dip Recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights in or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next get-together. Imagine fresh cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor, gooey melted cheese, and the fragrant aroma of basil filling your kitchen — it’s pure comfort on a plate!
As the summer sun gives way to crisp autumn evenings, this warm and cheesy dip evokes memories of sun-soaked picnics in the park and long, lazy afternoons spent with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying an easy weeknight dinner or prepping for a festive gathering, this creamy Caprese dip is sure to be a hit. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of fresh tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and aromatic basil creates a dip that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in under an hour!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in with friends.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with crusty bread, your favorite crackers, or even tortilla chips — the choices are endless!
- Easy to Customize: Whether you like a spicy kick or a zesty twist, there are plenty of ways to make this dip your own.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your Caprese Dip Recipe:
- 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
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
In a 2-quart baking dish or a cast iron skillet, add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, then top with the pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
Bake the tomatoes in the oven for 15 minutes, allowing them to roast until they’re tender and fragrant.
While the tomatoes are roasting, in a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and fresh basil. Add the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, stirring until well combined.
Once the tomatoes are done roasting, gently add the cheese mixture on top and toss to combine. Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese layer for a pop of color and flavor.
Return 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 bubbling with yumminess.
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil on top to brighten the flavors. Serve this dip warm with your choice of crusty bread, chips, or crackers.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Spinach Artichoke Swap: Add a handful of chopped spinach and a small can of drained artichoke hearts to give your dip a creamy, indulgent twist.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Finish off your dip with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze pour-over for that extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version of this classic dip.
- Herbed Infusion: Mix in other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a more vibrant and aromatic dip.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance, just be sure to cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, feel free to use dried basil or mix in your favorite herbs for a unique flavor profile.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Slicing Tip: Use kitchen shears to chop fresh basil easily, making the process quick and mess-free!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the components in advance and bake just before serving for a freshly melted dip.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your favorite cheeses or add-ins.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat before serving.
- How long does it last? Best eaten within three days for optimal flavor and freshness.
Wrapping It Up
This Caprese Dip Recipe brings the warmth of cherished memories and the joy of sharing delicious food into your home. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this creamy, cheesy delight is sure to create smiles and spark conversations. So gather your loved ones, serve it up warm, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Save this Caprese Dip Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! I can’t wait for you to enjoy this delightful dish, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
Print
Caprese Dip
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy Caprese dip with fresh tomatoes and basil, perfect for any gathering.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- In a 2-quart baking dish or a cast iron skillet, add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, then top with the pesto, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Bake the tomatoes in the oven for 15 minutes, allowing them to roast until tender and fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and fresh basil. Add the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, stirring until well combined.
- Once the tomatoes are done roasting, gently add the cheese mixture on top and toss to combine. Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve warm with crusty bread, chips, or crackers.
Notes
This dip can be made ahead of time. Store in the fridge and bake just before serving. Try different cheeses or add-ins for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Caprese, dip, appetizer, cheese, tomatoes, basil, party food