Description
This Caprese Dip is a delightful and savory appetizer featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, a blend of creamy cheeses, and fresh basil pesto. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it combines the classic flavors of Caprese salad in a warm, cheesy dip that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
- 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
- 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
To Serve
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes at the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or a cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then add basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat all the tomatoes evenly.
- Roast Tomatoes: Bake the tomato mixture for 15 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Mix Cheese and Basil: While the tomatoes roast, combine the sour cream and fresh chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Combine and Add Remaining Tomatoes: Remove the baking dish from the oven and add the cheese mixture to the roasted tomatoes, tossing gently to combine. Then, slice the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange these halved tomatoes on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted thoroughly with a slightly golden top and the dip edges bubbling around the sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil over the dip for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to taste.
- You can prepare the pesto and garlic mixture in advance to save time on serving day.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid from making the dip watery.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its vibrant flavor and aroma; avoid baking it with the dip.
- This dip can be kept warm in an oven set to low heat if serving over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
