Description
It was a sunny afternoon, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of summer. I was reminiscing about the times spent at our family potlucks, where the centerpiece was always a vibrant tray of Caprese salad — fresh tomatoes, lush basil, and creamy mozzarella. Those flavors, while delightful, sparked my inspiration to create something even more comforting. Enter my Easy Hot Caprese Dip, a warm twist on the classic favorite that combines all those beloved elements into a gooey, cheesy delight.
As I stirred the bubbling mix of roasted tomatoes and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, I could already picture the faces of family and friends lighting up as they gathered around the table. Not only is this dip simple to whip up, but it’s also a delightful homage to Italy that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering. Whether you're seeking a crowd-pleaser for your next summer get-together or just a cozy appetizer for yourself, this Hot Caprese Dip is the answer to your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (cut into chunks)
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Arrange 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in a baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle over the basil pesto, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat.
- Bake the tomatoes for 15 minutes.
- Mix together sour cream, chopped basil, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan in a bowl.
- Combine the cheese mixture with the roasted tomatoes from the oven.
- Top the dip with halved cherry tomatoes.
- Bake for another 20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest tomatoes, basil, and cheese to enhance the flavor of your Caprese Dip.
- Roast Perfectly: Monitor the baking time closely to ensure the tomatoes roast without burning.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality mozzarella and provolone for a truly gooey, melty texture.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, add red pepper flakes when roasting the tomatoes.
- Layer Wisely: Don't mix in fresh basil until just before serving.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy your Caprese Dip warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg