Description
This creamy and flavorful Caprese Dip combines roasted cherry tomatoes, a blend of cheeses, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, it's an irresistible appetizer served with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips, ideal for gatherings or casual snacking.
Ingredients
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
- 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 baking.
- 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. Bake for 15 minutes to roast and soften the tomatoes.
- Mix Cheese and Basil: While the tomatoes roast, combine the sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring to evenly incorporate the ingredients.
- Combine and Top: Once the tomatoes have roasted, add the cheese mixture to the baking dish and gently toss to combine with the tomatoes. Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them evenly on top of the cheese mixture.
- Finish Baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil just before serving for the best aroma and flavor. Serve the dip warm alongside crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat or omit if sensitive to spice.
- For a smoother dip, you can lightly mash the roasted tomatoes before mixing with the cheese.
- This dip is best served warm but can be reheated gently if needed.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 2-3 days.
