Name: Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheese 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

Jump to Recipe·4 from 12 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheese Recipe because it captures all the fresh, vibrant flavors I crave in a simple, irresistible dish. Juicy roasted cherry tomatoes combined with creamy, melted cheeses and fragrant basil create a harmony that feels both comforting and bright. This dip always steals the spotlight whenever I bring it to gatherings or enjoy it with a quiet night in—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to fall in love with.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheese Recipe

What makes this recipe so special to me is the delightful balance of flavors and textures. The roasted cherry tomatoes burst with a natural sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the richness of the melty mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. The basil pesto and fresh basil add just the right herbal lift, making every bite exciting and fresh. It’s like a Caprese salad took a warm, cheesy vacation in your oven, and I can’t get enough of that gooey, savory goodness.

Another thing I love about this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheese Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. The ingredients are simple and wholesome, yet they combine into a dish that feels decadent without any complicated steps. Whether I’m prepping for a casual get-together or a cozy family night, it always comes together quickly and with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit many occasions, from holidays to weeknight cravings, making it an absolute staple in my recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a creamy mixture that has a thick, lumpy texture, showing chunks of pale cheese and small green leafy bits scattered throughout. The mixture is mixed unevenly, giving a sense of softness with some cheese pieces more prominent. A wooden spoon with a smooth handle leans inside the bowl, partially covered in the creamy mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a few fresh green basil leaves around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in the straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in texture, flavor, and color. From the sweet cherry tomatoes to the variety of cheeses, everything is chosen to bring the perfect melt and vivid vibrancy to your dip.

Cherry tomatoes: I use 2 cups—half for roasting whole to intensify sweetness and half halved for fresh bursts on top.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to help roast the tomatoes and amplify their natural flavor.
Basil pesto: Two tablespoons add a fragrant punch that deepens the classic Caprese taste.
Minced garlic: Five cloves for a bold, aromatic backbone that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the fresh ingredients.
Sour cream: One cup to create a creamy base that balances the roasted veggies.
Fresh chopped basil: Half a cup for freshness folded into the sour cream and sprinkled on top.
Low-moisture mozzarella cheese: Eight ounces cubed for melty, stringy goodness.
Shredded provolone cheese: Eight ounces for added richness and a slightly sharp note.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: A quarter cup to sprinkle on top for that irresistible finishing touch.
Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips: My personal favorite for serving—perfect for scooping up every last bit.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the middle. This ensures your dip cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly without burning.

Step 2: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the pesto, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently to coat the tomatoes evenly, then roast for 15 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst with flavor.

Step 3: While the tomatoes roast, mix together the sour cream and fresh chopped basil in a medium bowl. Add the cubed mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan to the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and ready to melt.

Step 4: When your tomatoes are perfectly roasted, add the cheese mixture directly to the dish and toss it all together. Then take the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes, cut them in half, and arrange them on top of the mixture for a fresh, colorful finish.

Step 5: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden, melty top. Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil on top just before serving to keep that vibrant herbal fragrance alive.

Servings and Timing

This Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheese Recipe serves about 10 people, making it perfect for parties or a large family snack. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with about 35 minutes of baking—including the initial roasting and the final melting step—bringing the total time to around 45 minutes. No additional resting time is needed; it’s best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.

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

A white oval baking dish filled with a creamy, bubbly cheesy layer at the bottom, topped with many halved bright red cherry tomatoes scattered evenly and fresh chopped green herbs spread over the top. Around the dish are golden brown toasted bread slices on a wooden board, with more cherry tomatoes on the vine and green basil leaves placed on a white marbled surface. The dish shows slight browning along the edges, adding a rustic look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serving this dip is one of my favorite parts because it can be tailored to suit any vibe. I love arranging it with a variety of dippers like crusty baguette slices, homemade crackers, or colorful tortilla chips for texture contrast. For a lighter option, fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell pepper strips work beautifully too. Presentation-wise, serving it warm in the same baking dish adds charm and keeps everyone cozy as they dig in.

For a finishing touch, I often garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving to enhance the aroma and add a glossy appearance. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a wonderful kick that pairs so nicely with the creamy cheese base.

When it comes to drinks, I find that this dip pairs gloriously with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cut through the richness perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon or a fresh iced tea complements the flavors without overpowering them. This dish is an incredible appetizer for parties or a comforting treat for weeknight dinners, best served warm or at room temperature to let all the layers of flavor shine.

Variations

I love tweaking this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheese Recipe to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a vegetarian-friendly option, it already fits the bill, but for a vegan twist, I swap the cheeses with plant-based mozzarella and parmesan alternatives and replace sour cream with coconut or cashew cream. The roasted tomatoes and pesto still carry all the deliciousness!

If you want to play with the flavor profile, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or swapping out basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto adds incredible depth. Sometimes, I add a touch of fresh lemon zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar after baking to brighten up the dip and add complexity to the taste.

For a different cooking method, I’ve experimented with making this dip in a slow cooker for a party and it worked wonderfully—just add all the ingredients except the fresh tomatoes on top, and cook on low until everything is heated through and bubbly. It’s a hands-off way to keep it warm and inviting for guests without needing the oven.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend transferring the dip to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh basil, it’s best to add any additional herbs right before reheating or serving again, so it stays vibrant and doesn’t wilt.

Freezing

Freezing this dip is a bit tricky due to the fresh ingredients like basil and sour cream, which can separate when thawed. Although possible, I personally prefer making it fresh or saving leftovers in the fridge. If you do freeze it, place it in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before reheating, but expect some texture changes.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the cheese to become rubbery and the dip to separate. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while reheating. Adding a fresh sprinkle of basil and a drizzle of olive oil right after reheating really revives the flavors and makes it taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

While you can substitute regular tomatoes, cherry tomatoes are ideal because their small size and natural sweetness become intensified when roasted, which is key to the vibrant flavor of this dip. If using larger tomatoes, I suggest chopping them into bite-sized pieces and roasting until softened to get a similar effect.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat ingredients. Just be mindful to serve it with gluten-free crackers, bread, or vegetables to keep the entire dish gluten-free and safe for anyone with sensitivities.

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

You can assemble the dip up to the point before the final bake and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend enjoying it freshly baked when possible.

What can I use if I don’t have basil pesto?

If basil pesto isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a homemade blend of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts or use a store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist. Just adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors if you go this route.

How spicy is this dip?

This recipe is generally mild, but you can kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes when tossing the tomatoes or sprinkling some on top before serving. I love that little spicy touch because it contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy cheeses.

Conclusion

I can honestly say this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheese Recipe brings so much joy to my kitchen every time I make it. It’s the perfect blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients and comforting melted cheese that wins over every crowd. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it just as much as I do—there’s nothing like sharing a warm, delicious dip with friends and family to create unforgettable moments.