Caprese Dip – A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Whenever I think of summer gatherings, there’s a comforting buzz of laughter and the aroma of fresh tomatoes wafting through the air, culminating in my absolute favorite dish: Caprese Dip. This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s a culinary hug that brings people together. Nothing beats the combination of sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and vibrant basil. It’s reminiscent of sun-soaked afternoons and long, lazy evenings with loved ones—perfect for any occasion.
Why make this recipe
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cheese and tomatoes? But there’s so much more to this Caprese Dip than just those two stars. The mingling flavors of roasted cherry tomatoes and the melty, gooey cheeses create a dip that is simply enchanting. Imagine digging into a warm dish where every bite brings a burst of garlicky goodness complemented by a hint of basil. It’s a show-stopper, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself after a long day.
What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. You can whip it up for unexpected guests, serve it at a potluck, or even indulge on a cozy night in while binge-watching your favorite show! Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. Trust me; you’ll want to add this Caprese Dip to your rotation for those celebratory moments and casual nights alike.
Gather these ingredients
Cherry Tomatoes: You’ll need 2 cups of those plump, juicy beauties. They bring sweetness and vibrancy! If you can’t find fresh cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes make a fine substitute.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to drizzle—because we want those tomatoes to sparkle and shine as they roast.
Basil Pesto: Use 2 tablespoons of homemade or store-bought. This creamy, herbal infusion adds depth and a touch of nostalgia. I often use homemade because it’s fresher and can be customized to your liking!
Garlic: We’re using 5 cloves of minced garlic. Yes, it seems like a lot, but garlic is the heartbeat of this dish—don’t skimp on it!
Sour Cream: A cup of this dreamy ingredient makes everything creamy and luscious.
Fresh Basil: Half a cup, chopped fresh basil adds that bright, aromatic freshness we all adore in a Caprese.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: Grab 8 ounces, cut into chunks. It melts beautifully!
Provolone Cheese: Use 8 ounces of shredded provolone for an extra flavor kick. If provolone isn’t your jam, feel free to swap in another melting cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: A ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan to sprinkle throughout. Because honestly, who can resist that nutty finish?
Serving Options: Don’t forget the crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips—you’ll want something to scoop up all that cheesy goodness!
The cooking process explained
Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the middle position. This is crucial for even cooking—don’t skip it!
Prepare the tomatoes. In a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet, add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and top with basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss them to ensure every tomato is coated and ready to roast.
Bake for 15 minutes. This is where the magic begins! The heat will soften the tomatoes, making them burst with flavor.
While the tomatoes roast, mix together the sour cream and chopped basil in a bowl. Stir in the fresh mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan until well combined. This mixture is going to create the creamy, dreamy layer of our dip.
Combine the tomatoes and cheese. Once the tomatoes are roasted to perfection, add the cheese mixture on top. Toss gently to combine, and then cut the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half, arranging them beautifully on top.
Final bake. Place everything back in the oven for another 20 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and become a little golden with bubbly edges.
Finish it off. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil for that incredible aroma. And then dive in!
Best way to enjoy it
To truly savor this Caprese Dip, serve it piping hot right out of the oven! Pair it with crusty bread for that delightful crunch or go for some crispy tortilla chips that contrast perfectly with the creamy dip. Crackers are also an excellent choice if you want a lighter option. Feel free to add some sliced cucumbers or carrot sticks for a refreshing touch alongside!
Storage and reheating tips
Let’s talk about leftovers—if there are any! This dip can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Looking to freeze it? I’d recommend only freezing the unbaked components. However, if you must freeze the baked version, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month—just know it might lose a bit of that creamy texture when thawed.
Extra tips and advice
Garlic lovers unite: If you’re a fan of caramelized garlic, consider roasting it for a mellower flavor before adding it to the dip. Just remember, balance is key!
For a touch of heat: You can up the ante by adding finely chopped red pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Dietary swaps: If you need a lighter version, you can easily swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It’ll taste just as good, and you’ll feel a bit healthier about it!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? There’s no limit on how you can customize this dip! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick or layer in some caramelized onions for sweetness. For a smoky flavor, consider tossing in some chopped smoked mozzarella instead of regular mozzarella. You can even sprinkle some balsamic reduction over the top before serving for that iconic Caprese zing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons basil pesto
- 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
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the middle.
- Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in a baking dish or cast iron skillet.
- Drizzle with olive oil; add pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream and basil; then mix in mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
- After 15 minutes, remove tomatoes from the oven; add the cheese mixture and toss.
- Halve the remaining cup of tomatoes, arranging them on top.
- Bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy with your choice of dipping options!
Your questions answered
How long does this take to prepare? Total time is about 50-60 minutes, including prep and bake!
Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
Can I use different spices? Yes, feel free to play with your spice game! Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning would work well.
Is it safe to leave it out at a gathering? It’s best to keep it warm or serve immediately to ensure it’s safe and delicious.
What’s a good pairing for drinks? A crisp white wine or some sparkling water with lemon will complement the flavors beautifully!
I invite you to dive into this delightful dish and remember, culinary magic happens in your kitchen—experiment, tweak, and make it uniquely yours! I’d love to hear how your Caprese Dip adventure goes, so don’t hesitate to drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! Let’s keep the cooking community alive!
Caprese Dip Recipe
Description
Caprese Dip combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and aromatic basil, creating a warm, cheesy dip that's perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Serving Suggestions
Directions
Preparation and Baking
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the middle.Prepare Tomatoes
In a baking dish, add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil; add pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.Roast Tomatoes
Bake for 15 minutes.Mix the Cheeses
In a bowl, combine sour cream and basil; then mix in mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.Combine and Layer
After 15 minutes, remove tomatoes from the oven; add the cheese mixture and toss. Halve the remaining cup of tomatoes, arranging them on top.Final Bake
Bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.Top and Serve
Top with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy with your choice of dipping options!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Potassium 450mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
