Name: Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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

I absolutely adore sharing this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe because it perfectly captures everything I love about Italian flavors in one warm, cheesy, inviting dish. The vibrant roasted cherry tomatoes pair beautifully with creamy, melty mozzarella and a hint of fresh basil, creating a dip that’s bursting with freshness and cozy comfort. It’s always a crowd-pleaser when I bring it out, whether for a casual get-together or a special celebration. The ease of putting it all together means I get to enjoy the process and the delicious results without any stress.

Why You'll Love This Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

When I first tried making this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe, I was hooked by its stunning balance of flavors—sweet, roasted tomatoes mingling with the creamy tang of fresh mozzarella and the herbal brightness of basil pesto. There’s just something so comforting about hot melted cheese paired with juicy bursts of roasted tomato, and the parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that ties it all together. It always feels like a little slice of Italy on my table.

What really makes this recipe special to me is how simple it is to prepare. The ingredients are straightforward and easily sourced, yet the roasting process transforms those cherry tomatoes into flavorful morsels that make the whole dish pop. I love recipes that don’t require a ton of fuss but still deliver major wow factor when you serve them. The ease of tossing it all in the oven while I prepare a few other things in the kitchen means it’s perfect not only for impressing guests but also for spontaneous weeknight treats.

I also find this dip incredibly versatile for all kinds of occasions, from casual family dinners to festive parties. It’s shareable, delicious, and invites everyone to gather around with their favorite dippers. Plus, the colors are beautiful—those roasted reds, fresh greens, and golden melted cheese look stunning on any table. To me, this dip feels like a warm, inviting celebration of summer’s best flavors, year-round.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white oval baking dish filled with a baked creamy layer of melted cheese that is slightly golden at the edges, topped evenly with halved bright red cherry tomatoes and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Surrounding the dish on a white marbled surface are many golden brown toasted bread slices stacked and scattered, a bunch of fresh cherry tomatoes on the vine, and a few fresh green basil leaves. The scene has a cozy, fresh feel with warm colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe is that it uses simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect flavor and texture. Every element from the roasted tomatoes to the mix of cheeses and fresh basil brings something special to the dish.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Cherry tomatoes: They roast beautifully to develop sweetness and a rich flavor that’s essential here.
Olive oil: Adds a luscious, fruity note and helps the tomatoes caramelize during roasting.
Basil pesto: Brings fresh herbaceous complexity that complements the roasted tomatoes.
Garlic: Provides a gentle aromatic punch that is infused as the tomatoes roast.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the natural sweetness.
Sour cream: Adds a creamy tang that lightens the cheese mixture beautifully.
Fresh basil: Gives a bright, fragrant finish to the dip when served.
Low-moisture mozzarella: Melts into silky smooth, gooey goodness.
Provolone cheese: Adds depth and a slightly sharper flavor to the cheese blend.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty crust when baked on top.
Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips: Perfect for scooping up every delicious bite.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. This ensures even cooking and beautiful roasting of the tomatoes.

Step 2: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes into a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then spoon pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat), and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss everything gently so the tomatoes are evenly coated, then bake for 15 minutes until the tomatoes soften and their skins begin to blister.

Step 3: While the tomatoes are roasting, mix together the sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a bowl. Add the chunks of fresh mozzarella, shredded provolone, and parmesan cheese, stirring gently to combine but keeping the cheeses chunky for melty pockets rather than fully blended.

Step 4: When the tomatoes come out of the oven, pour the cheese mixture on top and gently toss everything together in the dish. Slice the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and artfully arrange them on top of the cheesy mixture.

Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the top starts to turn golden, and the edges bubble invitingly. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a fragrant, colorful finish. Serve warm with your favorite crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This delightful Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe makes about 10 generous servings, perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings. Prep time is approximately 10 minutes to get everything ready, with 35 minutes of combined baking time—15 minutes for roasting the tomatoes initially and another 20 minutes to melt the cheese and meld the flavors. Overall, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to delicious finish. There’s no resting time needed; it’s best enjoyed hot and bubbling right out of the oven.

How to Serve This Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

The dish is shown in a white bowl filled with a creamy and melted cheese base mixed with chopped green herbs. On top, there are bright red halved cherry tomatoes spread evenly. Several toasted golden-brown bread pieces are placed partially in the cheese, with one piece being lifted by a woman's hand, showing cheese strings pulling away from the bowl. The white bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting, giving the food a warm and fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dip piping hot straight from the oven, so the cheese is gloriously melty and the roasted tomatoes are still juicy and warm. It pairs wonderfully with crusty slices of a rustic baguette or crispy pita chips—something hearty enough to scoop up all the cheesy goodness. For a lighter option, crunchy vegetable sticks like bell peppers or cucumber also make an excellent side. Presentation-wise, I often garnish the dip with extra fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a fresh, green pop that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.

When it comes to drinks, this dip is fantastic with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a sparkling rosé at gatherings—it adds a celebratory fizz that cuts through the richness. For non-alcoholic options, a chilled Italian soda or sparkling water with a lemon wedge complements the bright tomato and basil flavors perfectly. The cozy nature of this dish makes it ideal for game nights, casual holiday parties, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for weekend dinners with friends and family.

If you want to impress even more, try serving the dip in individual small ramekins so everyone gets their own personal portion. This not only looks elegant but helps with portion control if you’re serving a larger crowd. The dip’s best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, as cooling it down too far causes the cheese to firm up and the tomatoes to lose their freshness. So I always recommend serving it soon after baking for that ooey-gooey, luscious effect.

Variations

I love playing around with this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, if you want a lighter version, swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt gives a tangy creaminess with fewer calories. If you want to kick up the flavor, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a touch of smoked paprika brings subtle heat and smokiness to the mix.

If you’re cooking for friends who avoid dairy, you can easily make it vegan by replacing the cheeses with plant-based mozzarella and parmesan alternatives. The creamy base can be swapped with cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a similar luscious texture. Another twist I enjoy is adding fresh sun-dried tomatoes or a few kalamata olives for a briny burst that contrasts nicely with the sweet roasted tomatoes.

For a different cooking method, you could assemble the dip in individual oven-safe bowls, perfect for serving single portions at a dinner party. Alternatively, try grilling the cherry tomatoes before roasting for slight char and smoky depth, especially if you’re making this in summer when cherries taste their freshest. Each variation helps keep this recipe exciting and adaptable without losing the signature flavor that makes it so irresistible to me.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe, I transfer them into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, which is great if you want to enjoy the dip again without making a fresh batch. Just make sure the container seals tightly to preserve the flavors and prevent the dish from absorbing other fridge smells.

Freezing

I generally do not recommend freezing this dip because the texture of fresh roasted tomatoes and melted cheese can become a bit grainy or watery once thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw it overnight slowly in the fridge rather than at room temperature to prevent sogginess. Be prepared that the texture might not be quite as creamy as freshly baked.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dip is in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can cause the cheese to separate and the tomatoes to become mushy. If you do use a microwave, heat it on medium power in short increments, stirring gently in between. Adding a few fresh basil leaves after reheating brightens it up and restores some of that fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Caprese Dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the parts separately—the roasted tomatoes and cheese mixture—then assemble and bake just before serving. This saves time on busy days and keeps the dip fresh and melty when you serve it.

What can I use if I don't have fresh mozzarella?

If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella works well as a substitute, which is what I actually use here to get that great melt. For an even creamier texture, mixing in a little ricotta cheese can also help mimic fresh mozzarella’s softness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or chips to keep the entire snack gluten-free. It’s great for guests with dietary restrictions!

Can I make this dip spicier?

Definitely! You can add red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting or stir in some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture for a spicy kick. I usually keep it mild but love a little heat depending on the crowd.

How long can I keep the leftover dip in the fridge?

I recommend eating leftovers within three days for the best flavor and texture. Make sure it’s stored tightly sealed to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Mozzarella Recipe soon—it’s one of those dishes that brings pure joy no matter the occasion. The blend of warm, roasted tomatoes with luscious, melted cheese and fresh basil is a combination I never tire of. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and endlessly comforting. I’m always excited when this dip shows up at my table, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!