Caprese Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caprese Dip is a warm, melty twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Bursting with the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this appetizer is both elegant and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing game day snacks, or just want something delicious and cheesy, this dip will hit the spot. It pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cream cheese
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth.
3. Spread the cream cheese evenly into the bottom of a small baking dish.
4. Top with slices or chunks of mozzarella.
5. Add halved cherry tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes over the cheese.
6. Sprinkle minced garlic and drizzle olive oil across the top.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil.
10. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and serve warm with toasted bread or crackers.

Servings and timing

This Caprese Dip recipe serves approximately 6 people. Prep time is around 10 minutes, and bake time is 20-25 minutes, making the total time about 30-35 minutes.

Variations

• Use burrata instead of mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.
• Add a layer of pesto between the cream cheese and mozzarella for added herb flavor.
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a richer tomato taste.
• Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Turn it into a cold dip by layering the ingredients without baking.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover Caprese Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals until warm.

FAQs

What is Caprese Dip made of?

Caprese Dip is made with a base of cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Can I make Caprese Dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving.

What should I serve with Caprese Dip?

It pairs well with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Is Caprese Dip gluten-free?

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers if needed.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.

How can I make this dip lighter?

Use light cream cheese and reduce the amount of cheese if desired.

Can I freeze Caprese Dip?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dip as the texture of the cheese may change when thawed.

What kind of tomatoes work best?

Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes are ideal for their flavor and moisture content.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Try adding a layer of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or balsamic glaze to enhance the flavors.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, Caprese Dip is vegetarian-friendly.

Conclusion

Caprese Dip is the perfect marriage of classic Italian flavors and comfort food indulgence. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this warm, cheesy dip is sure to satisfy.

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