Name: Caprese Dip 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, to taste; 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· 4.1 from 22 reviews

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of Italy but want something fun and shareable, the Caprese Dip Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish transforms the classic Caprese salad into a gooey, melty, irresistible dip that’s bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and three kinds of luscious cheeses. It’s perfect for any occasion — from casual get-togethers to game day snacking — and will quickly become one of your all-time favorite appetizers to serve and enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and one white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest white bowl in the center is filled with bright red cherry tomatoes that are smooth and round. Above it, a smaller white bowl is filled with white mozzarella cheese cubes with a soft texture. To the right, a wooden bowl holds finely minced garlic that looks slightly moist. Below the garlic, another white bowl contains smooth, thick sour cream with a creamy white color. To the bottom left of the cherry tomatoes, one white bowl has shredded provolone cheese with thin, pale yellow strands. Next to the provolone, a white bowl is filled with light yellow grated parmesan cheese with a crumbly texture. Above the parmesan, a small bowl contains a green, slightly chunky pesto sauce. To the top left, a tiny white bowl holds coarse salt and pepper with a speckled look, and beside this, there is a clear small glass jug filled with golden olive oil. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered around the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this delightful Caprese Dip Recipe, you only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. Every component, from creamy cheeses to sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, harmonizes to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

2 cups cherry tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness roast beautifully and add juicy freshness.
1 Tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil helps enrich the flavors and aids in roasting the tomatoes.
2 Tablespoons basil pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, pesto adds that herby punch and vibrant color.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dip with a subtle spicy warmth that elevates the whole dish.
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key to balance and enhance all the flavors.
1 cup sour cream: Creaminess that softens the cheese and adds a tangy touch.
1/2 cup fresh chopped basil: Fresh basil ties everything together with its fragrant, herbal notes.
8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness perfect for dipping.
8 ounces shredded provolone cheese: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and creamy texture.
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty finish that gives the dish a beautiful depth.
Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving: Choose your favorite dippers to scoop up this cheesy delight.

How to Make Caprese Dip Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and setting the rack to the middle position to ensure even cooking. Place one cup of whole cherry tomatoes in a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and add the basil pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to coat and let these tomatoes roast in the oven for 15 minutes. This roasting process intensifies their sweetness and softens them up, creating a luscious base for the dip.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Herb Mixture

While the tomatoes roast, mix together the sour cream and fresh chopped basil in a bowl. This combination adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm tomatoes. Now toss in the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan cheese to the bowl, ensuring all the cheese is nicely coated with the herbed sour cream. The mixture is the heart of your Caprese Dip Recipe, promising that perfect cheesy melt later.

Step 3: Combine and Bake Again

Once the tomatoes have roasted, add the cheese and sour cream mixture on top and gently toss to combine with the juicy tomatoes. Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes in half and neatly arrange them atop the cheese layer for a fresh, colorful finish. Slide the dish back into the oven for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully, the top to turn golden, and the edges to bubble enticingly.

How to Serve Caprese Dip Recipe

A white deep dish filled with creamy, melted cheese mixed with green herbs as the first layer, topped with bright red halved cherry tomatoes scattered evenly, and golden toasted bread slices layered on top and around the edges. A woman's hand is lifting one toasted bread slice, pulling strings of stretchy cheese, showing a rich and gooey texture. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth visible under the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the hot dip to add a pop of vibrant green and an irresistible fresh aroma. Adding fresh basil at the end keeps the flavor bright and prevents it from wilting during baking.

Side Dishes

This Caprese Dip Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread slices, crunchy crackers, or crispy tortilla chips — anything sturdy enough to scoop up the warm, cheesy goodness. You can also serve it alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables if you want to make it a part of a larger spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or individual mini cast iron skillets for personal servings. You can even spread it on toasted baguette slices and bake it briefly for bite-sized open-faced delights. Presentation is your playground, so get creative and make it as inviting as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your indulgent batch of this Caprese Dip Recipe, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you a quick and delicious snack ready to heat up.

Freezing

Because this dip relies on fresh tomatoes and creamy cheeses, freezing isn’t ideal as it can alter the texture and flavor after thawing. For the best experience, it’s recommended to enjoy the dip fresh or refrigerate leftovers instead.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm the dip gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture may become less creamy and more rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes work wonderfully because of their sweetness and size, grape tomatoes or even chopped Roma tomatoes can be great substitutes. Just adjust roasting time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dip vegetarian?

Yes! The Caprese Dip Recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses cheeses and fresh vegetables. Just make sure the cheeses you buy do not contain animal rennet if you prefer strictly vegetarian options.

Can I prepare the dip in advance?

You can prepare the components ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, but it’s best to bake the dip fresh right before serving to enjoy that melty, bubbly perfection.

What’s the best bread to serve with Caprese Dip?

A crusty baguette or ciabatta bread works beautifully, providing a sturdy vehicle for scooping while complementing the Italian flavors.

Can I make this dip gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply serve it with gluten-free crackers, veggie sticks, or gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sharing warm, cheesy, and fresh dishes like this Caprese Dip Recipe with people you care about. It brings out all the best from simple ingredients and turns them into a crowd-pleaser every single time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears at your next gathering—you’ll be asked to make it again and again!

Caprese Dip Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need