why make this recipe
Caprese Dip is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad. It combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes, creamy cheese, and herby basil, all baked together to create a warm, gooey dip. This dish is perfect for parties, game day, or simply a cozy night in. It’s easy to make, satisfies your taste buds, and brings people together.
how to make Caprese Dip
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
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- 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 pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat the tomatoes. Bake for 15 minutes.
- While they’re roasting, stir together the sour cream and basil. Add the fresh mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
- When the tomatoes are done, add the cheese mixture to the roasted tomatoes and toss to combine. Cut the remaining cup of tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese.
- Bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, top is slightly golden, and edges are bubbling. Top with fresh basil just before serving (not sooner). Serve with your favorite bread, chips, or crackers.

how to serve Caprese Dip
Caprese Dip is best served warm. You can scoop it up with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips. It’s great for sharing, so bring it to gatherings or enjoy it with family. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color!
how to store Caprese Dip
If you have any leftovers, let the dip cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven until warm.
tips to make Caprese Dip
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
- You can mix up the cheeses based on your preferences; just make sure to use a mix of melty cheeses.
- For an even richer flavor, try adding some balsamic glaze drizzled on top when serving.
variation
You can customize this dip by adding other ingredients like olives, artichokes, or even cooked sausage for added flavor. Alternatively, try adding avocado to make it creamier!
FAQs
1. Can I make Caprese Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well. Mozzarella and provolone are great, but you could also try fontina or gouda.
3. Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, if you serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies, this dip can easily be gluten-free. Always check labels for any allergens.
Caprese Dip
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and gooey twist on the classic Caprese salad, perfect for sharing at parties or cozy nights in.
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
- Preheat oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- Add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes to a baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and top with pesto, minced garlic, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes. Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, mix sour cream and fresh basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses.
- Once the tomatoes are done, add the cheese mixture to the roasted tomatoes and toss to combine. Cut the remaining cup of tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with bread, chips, or crackers. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian


