If you adore the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad but crave something warm, melty, and irresistibly shareable, you are going to fall head over heels for this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe. It brings together sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with garlic and pesto, layered with a luscious blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. The creamy base enhanced with fresh basil creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for more dip and more smiles at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe sticks to wonderfully simple ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering ultimate flavor and texture. Every item in this list is a building block to create that perfect combination of freshness, creaminess, and melty goodness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Choosing ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes brings natural sweetness and a pop of color to the dip.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps roast the tomatoes to caramelized perfection.
- Basil pesto: Pesto infuses the dish with bright herbal notes and a hint of nutty garlic, elevating the flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic lends a fragrant punch that wakes up the roasted tomatoes.
- Sour cream: This creamy base balances acidity and adds a luxurious texture.
- Fresh chopped basil: Fresh basil leaves layered throughout bring an aromatic freshness that’s essential in any Caprese-inspired dish.
- Fresh mozzarella: Soft, mild mozzarella melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets in the dip.
- Shredded provolone cheese: Provolone enhances meltiness with a slightly sharper, smoky flavor.
- Freshly grated parmesan: Parmesan adds a salty depth and a savory finish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasoning that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F to get everything ready for roasting. In a baking dish, combine whole cherry tomatoes with olive oil, aromatic basil pesto, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything well, making sure each tomato is coated in that flavorful mixture. Roast for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to burst, releasing their natural juices, which creates a juicy, flavor-packed base for the dip.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Basil Mixture
While the tomatoes are working their magic in the oven, mix together the sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a mixing bowl. This creamy herb-infused layer will provide a luscious backdrop for the cheeses. Stir in chunks of fresh mozzarella, shredded provolone, and freshly grated parmesan, folding until everything is evenly combined. This blend promises a perfect melty, cheesy texture that’s central to the magic of this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Once the tomatoes are nicely roasted, remove them from the oven and gently fold them into your cheese mixture, making sure not to lose their juicy integrity. Then, spread the mixture evenly back into your baking dish and top with some halved cherry tomatoes for a beautiful, fresh finish. Bake this assembly for an additional 20 minutes until the cheeses melt completely, creating a bubbly, golden crust that invites you to dig in.
How to Serve Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Caprese Dip with a handful of fresh basil leaves not only adds a gorgeous pop of green but also boosts the fresh herbal aroma. Feel free to drizzle a little more good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving to enhance the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dippers: crisp baguette slices toasted to a golden crunch, crunchy pita chips, or crisp veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers. These sides create ideal vessels for scooping up all that cheesy, tomatoey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopper appetizer, serve your Caprese Dip in a rustic shallow cast iron skillet or a beautiful ceramic baking dish to keep it warm at the table. Surround the dish with an assortment of colorful veggie sticks, crackers, and artisan breads to create a vibrant, inviting dip board that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dip is wonderful when fresh but also keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve that creamy texture and keep the flavors vibrant for your next indulgence.
Freezing
While you can freeze the Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe, note that the texture of the cheesy mixture may change slightly. If you choose to freeze it, place the dip in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To revive this dip’s ooey, gooey magic, reheat it gently in a 350°F oven until warm and bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a microwave can work in a pinch, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and separating the cheeses.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this dip?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and size, grape tomatoes or even chopped roma tomatoes can work well. Just adjust roasting times accordingly to avoid over-softening.
What can I substitute for basil pesto if I don’t have any?
If pesto isn’t on hand, you can whip up a quick blend of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts or even omit it — the fresh basil in the recipe will still give you lovely herbal notes.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to check your parmesan cheese label, as some varieties use animal-derived rennet.
Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives and use a plant-based sour cream. While it won’t be quite the same, you can still achieve a deliciously creamy and flavorful dip.
How spicy is this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe?
Not spicy at all, unless you add some black pepper to your liking. It’s designed to highlight fresh, mild, and savory flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite crowd-pleasers. It’s impossibly creamy, loaded with fresh, vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing. Whether for a casual get-together or a cozy treat at home, grab your favorite dippers and get ready to indulge in something truly special. You’ll thank yourself later!
Print
Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melty Cheeses Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy Caprese Dip that combines roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this dip captures the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad in a warm, shareable appetizer.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup fresh chopped basil
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into chunks
- 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and baking the dip.
- Roast Tomatoes: In a baking dish, toss whole cherry tomatoes with olive oil, basil pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated. Bake for 15 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the tomatoes roast, combine sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a mixing bowl. Stir in the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Take the roasted tomatoes out of the oven and gently fold them into the cheese mixture. Add halved cherry tomatoes on top for an attractive presentation and extra fresh flavor.
- Bake Dip: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese melts completely and the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in this dip.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or more robust taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.
- Prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for easier entertaining.
