Name: Caprese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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 (optional, 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

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Introduction

This Caprese Dip is a warm, cheesy twist on the classic Italian salad. Loaded with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan, it’s perfect for sharing at any gathering.

A white oval dish filled with a baked layered dip showing three main layers: the bottom layer is creamy and light yellow, topped by a thick white melted cheese layer with stringy texture, scattered over with halved bright red cherry tomatoes and small green herb pieces. There are several toasted golden brown bread slices partially dipped into the mixture near the bottom left and right edges, with some of the cheese dripping onto them. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
½ 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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the middle.
Step 2: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes into the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the basil pesto, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and toss gently to coat. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 3: While the tomatoes roast, mix the sour cream and chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan to the mixture and stir well.
Step 4: Once the tomatoes are roasted, combine them with the cheese mixture in the baking dish and toss gently. Halve the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and arrange them evenly on top.
Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden on top, and bubbly around the edges. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving.
Step 6: Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when tossing the tomatoes in olive oil.
Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished dip to enhance the Caprese flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be enjoyed warm after reheating.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked casserole presented in a white oval ceramic dish with handles on each side. The base layer is melted creamy cheese with a light golden toast edge around the baking dish. On top of the cheese, there are many halved cherry tomatoes, bright red in color, scattered evenly across the surface. Finely chopped fresh green herbs are sprinkled generously all over the top, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy and red colors. Surrounding the dish on a white marbled texture are several golden-brown toasted bread slices stacked loosely on a small wooden board, with fresh whole cherry tomatoes on the vine to the side, and some fresh green leaves scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

You can mix the cheese and sour cream blend a few hours ahead and keep it chilled, but it’s best to assemble and bake this dip just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like fontina or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile, but mozzarella and provolone provide the ideal melty, creamy texture for this dip.