Description
A deliciously creamy and cheesy Caprese Dip that blends roasted cherry tomatoes with fresh basil, garlic, and a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbling, this appetizer is ideal for serving with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips at any gathering.
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
To Serve
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack to the middle.
- Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting: 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 basil pesto, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Bake for 15 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Mix Cheese and Basil: While the tomatoes roast, combine sour cream and fresh chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan cheese, mixing well to combine all cheese with the sour cream and basil base.
- Combine Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes: Once the tomatoes are done roasting, add the cheese mixture to the baking dish and gently toss everything together. Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture for added freshness and color.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted, slightly golden on top, and the edges bubbling around the sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the dip with fresh basil. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best results to get that creamy texture.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter option.
- This dip can be prepared ahead up to combining the cheese with roasted tomatoes; refrigerate and bake just before serving.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, reheating gently if needed.
