Name: Caprese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes (divided into 1 cup for roasting and 1 cup for topping); 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; 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 brings together the classic flavors of a Caprese salad in a warm, cheesy dip perfect for any gathering. Roasted cherry tomatoes mingle with creamy cheeses and fresh basil, making it an irresistible appetizer.

A white oval baking dish filled with a baked dip that has three visible layers: a golden, melted cheese layer on top, dotted with halved bright red cherry tomatoes, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The cheese layer looks creamy with slightly browned edges, and the tomatoes add a fresh, juicy texture on top. Around the dish are multiple slices of toasted bread with a golden-brown color and crispy texture, placed on a wooden board. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, with fresh green basil leaves and a bunch of red tomatoes on the vine placed nearby, along with salt and pepper shakers. 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
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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the oven rack in the middle position.
Step 2: Add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes to the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and top with basil pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
Step 3: Bake the tomatoes for 15 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
Step 4: While the tomatoes roast, stir together the sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan, mixing to combine.
Step 5: When the tomatoes are done, add the cheese mixture to the baking dish and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Cut the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture.
Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil just before serving. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh homemade basil pesto for a more vibrant flavor.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and pesto.
Substitute the provolone with fontina or gouda for a different cheese profile.
If you prefer a thicker dip, reduce the amount of sour cream slightly or add cream cheese.

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. The dip can separate slightly after refrigeration, so stirring well before serving is recommended.

How to Serve

The dish is a warm, cheesy dip served in a white bowl, filled with melted creamy white cheese that has a thick, smooth texture and stretches as a piece of toasted bread is lifted. Scattered throughout the cheese are bright red cherry tomato halves and small green leafy herbs, adding pops of color. Around the edges, golden brown toasted bread slices are partially dipped, showing a crisp, slightly bubbled texture. A woman's hand is holding one bread slice, pulling it upwards to reveal the gooey cheese stretching down into the bowl, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato and cheese mixtures separately and assemble before baking. Just keep the components refrigerated until ready to bake.

Is this dip suitable for guests with lactose intolerance?

This dip contains multiple cheeses and sour cream, so it is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance unless lactose-free substitutes are used.