Name: Caprese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (cubed or torn); ¼ cup chopped fresh basil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling); 1 clove garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; toasted baguette slices or crostini for serving

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If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than Caprese Dip. This vibrant, melty, and incredibly simple dish takes everything you love about the classic Caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil—and turns it into a warm, shareable dip that’s absolutely irresistible. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and hardly any prep, this Caprese Dip will steal the show at any gathering or instantly elevate your weeknight snack game!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Caprese Dip is in its simplicity: each ingredient plays an essential role, creating harmony in every bite. This medley of colors, flavors, and textures is what makes the dip so enticing—here’s why each item matters!

Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and color, these beauties blister perfectly in the oven and add lively flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, pillowy cubes (or torn pieces) melt into luscious pools, giving the dip its signature creamy, stretchy texture.
Fresh Basil: Chopped basil offers a punch of herbaceous brightness that ties the whole dip together, both visually and in taste.
Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil enhances richness, helps with roasting, and carries the herbal notes delightfully.
Balsamic Glaze: A little drizzle adds a sweet-tangy pop and beautiful finishing shine—use extra for serving!
Garlic: Just one minced clove infuses the whole dish with warm, savory depth.
Salt and Black Pepper: A light sprinkle ensures all those wonderful flavors truly sing.
Toasted Baguette Slices or Crostini: The perfect vessel for scooping up gooey mouthfuls of the Caprese Dip—crunchy outside, tender inside.

How to Make Caprese Dip

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C)—the ideal temperature for melting cheese and softening tomatoes without scorching them. Lightly grease a small baking dish, so cleanup is easy and nothing sticks. Think about using a dish that looks nice for serving; this dip goes straight from oven to table.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pieces, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently, just to coat, being careful not to break up the mozzarella too much. Every ingredient should shimmer with a light coating—this helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly

Pour the colorful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbling around the edges, with the cherry tomatoes softened and slightly blistered. This is when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible!

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve Caprese Dip

Take the Caprese Dip out of the oven and let it cool for just a couple of minutes. Finish by drizzling with a little extra balsamic glaze for gloss and an extra layer of flavor. Spoon the gooey, fragrant dip onto toasted baguette slices or crunchy crostini while it’s still warm. Watch it disappear!

How to Serve Caprese Dip

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh basil ribbons on top is always a good idea. You might also like to add a crack of black pepper, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or—if you’re in the mood for a little heat—a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. These touches are simple, but they make the Caprese Dip extra-special both to taste and to look at.

Side Dishes

Caprese Dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. Keep it classic with toasted baguette rounds or crostini, or try it with crunchy breadsticks, gluten-free crackers, or even crisp fresh veggies like cucumber slices. Add a chilled Italian white wine, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect appetizer spread!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try serving Caprese Dip in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or layer it in a rustic skillet for a communal centerpiece. Garnish with edible flowers for a summer garden party, or arrange the bread around the dip for a dramatic, easy-to-share presentation. Guests will love the interactive, serve-yourself style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Caprese Dip to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle and deepen as it sits, making leftovers surprisingly delicious!

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Caprese Dip, the texture of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes changes significantly after thawing—expect more liquid and less structure. For best results, enjoy this dish freshly baked, and only freeze if you’re okay with some textural changes upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, spoon the Caprese Dip back into a small baking dish and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly again, about 10 minutes. You can also microwave smaller portions in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Add a fresh sprinkle of basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! If you have ripe Roma or grape tomatoes, just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cherry tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and shape, but any juicy, ripe tomato will work beautifully in Caprese Dip.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dip?

For a dairy-free spin, substitute a plant-based mozzarella or even cubes of marinated tofu. While you won’t get quite the same gooey melt, the flavors will still capture the Caprese spirit nicely.

Can I make Caprese Dip ahead of time?

You sure can. Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate them in your baking dish a few hours ahead. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed—simple and stress-free for entertaining!

What’s the best way to toast baguette slices?

Slice the baguette, brush each piece lightly with olive oil, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes per side, keeping a close eye, or bake at 400°F for about 5–6 minutes until golden and crispy.

Can I serve Caprese Dip cold?

Definitely! For a quick, no-bake version, simply combine all the ingredients as directed and skip the oven. The dip will be super fresh and tangy; it’s ideal for hot summer days or when you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of melty cheese, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a warm Caprese Dip. Every bite is like a little taste of summer, and it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite appetizer!