Description
This Caprese Dip is a delicious and easy appetizer that combines fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese topped with fragrant basil and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a crowd-pleaser served warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers. Ideal for parties or casual gatherings, this Italian-inspired dip offers the classic Caprese salad flavors in a fun, shareable dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheeses
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes or torn
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Garnish & Serving
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking of the dip.
- Prepare Tomatoes: In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated to enhance their flavor.
- Assemble Dip: In a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, layer the fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly to create a cheesy base, then sprinkle the garlic powder over the top for added depth.
- Add Tomatoes: Spread the seasoned cherry tomatoes evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring each bite has a burst of tomato goodness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the baked dip from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the chopped fresh basil to capture its fragrant aroma.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the dip just before serving. Serve warm alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use marinated mozzarella balls instead of fresh mozzarella cubes.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for a spicy kick.
- Serve the dip immediately while it’s hot and melty for the best texture and taste.
- To keep this dip gluten-free, serve with gluten-free bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dip
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
