Easy Caprese Dip

Take your appetizer game to the next level with this Easy Caprese Dip! Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, this warm, cheesy dip features layers of creamy cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for scooping with toasted baguette slices or crispy crackers. Simple to make and impossible to resist!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy & Comforting – All the flavor of Caprese, with the bonus of melted cheese.
Quick & Simple – Only 10 minutes of prep, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser – A warm appetizer that always disappears fast.
Customizable – Add balsamic glaze, pesto, or extra herbs to make it your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, game days, or weekend snacking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dip:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn

Optional Garnishes:

• Balsamic glaze
• Extra basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for a kick)

For Serving:

• Toasted baguette slices
• Crackers
• Pita chips
• Fresh veggie sticks

Tools You’ll Need

• 8-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Base
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, half of the mozzarella, all of the parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the cheese layer.
Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch more salt and pepper.

Step 4: Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the tomatoes.
If you love it extra cheesy, feel free to add a little more!

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
For a golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil & Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.
Serve warm with toasted bread or your favorite dippers.

Tips for the Best Caprese Dip
Use Room Temp Cream Cheese – It’s easier to mix and spreads more smoothly.
Fresh Ingredients = Better Flavor – Use ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for the best taste.
Customize It – Add a layer of pesto under the cheese or mix in chopped roasted garlic.
Serve Immediately – This dip is best warm and fresh from the oven.
Add a Kick – Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread – Toasted baguette rounds are ideal for scooping.
Crackers or Pita Chips – For crunch and easy serving at parties.
Veggie Dippers – Sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or zucchini for a lighter option.
Pair with Wine – A crisp white or sparkling wine complements the flavors beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Reheat individual servings in 30-second intervals until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I use different tomatoes?
Absolutely. Diced Roma or heirloom tomatoes work great—just remove excess juice to prevent sogginess.

3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Ricotta or a mix of ricotta and mascarpone makes a great alternative.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded plant-based cheese alternatives.

5. Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free. Just use gluten-free crackers or bread for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Caprese Dip takes the beloved flavors of a classic Caprese salad and turns them into a warm, cheesy appetizer everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want a comforting snack, it’s a fast and flavorful option that always impresses.

Make it once and it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for gatherings and cravings alike!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 230 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 310mg

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