Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melted Mozzarella Recipe
A deliciously creamy and savory Caprese Dip featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for parties or a cozy appetizer served warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- 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 to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil (plus more for topping)
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks
- 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Roasted Tomatoes: 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 basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly, then bake for 15 minutes until softened and flavorful.
- Mix Cheese and Basil: While the tomatoes roast, combine the sour cream with 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil in a bowl. Add chunks of mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan cheese to the sour cream mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Tomatoes and Cheese: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven. Add the cheese mixture directly into the baking dish with the tomatoes and toss gently to combine everything evenly. Slice the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese layer for a fresh finish.
- Bake Until Golden: Return the baking dish to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. Bake until the cheese has melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling hot.
- Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top just before serving. Pair your Caprese dip with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can make the pesto from scratch or use a high-quality store-bought version depending on your preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit if you prefer a milder dip.
- Use a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish around 2 quarts in size for best results.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream and cheeses with appropriate plant-based alternatives, though this will alter the flavor profile.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving again.
Keywords: Caprese dip, roasted tomato dip, cheesy dip, Italian appetizer, party dip, baked cheese dip
