🎉 Introduction
This Easy Caprese Dip takes everything you love about classic caprese flavors and transforms them into a warm, creamy, scoopable appetizer that guests can’t resist. With melted mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan blended into a smooth base, then topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pesto, this dip delivers fresh Italian-inspired comfort in every bite.
Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, this dip feels elegant yet incredibly easy to make. Served warm with crusty bread, it’s the kind of appetizer that keeps people hovering around the table, going back for just one more scoop. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and effortless preparation make this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Medium skillet or oven-safe pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
🛒 Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and fresh dip.
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Provolone cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Sour cream
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Basil pesto
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
For serving:
- Crusty bread, sliced
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
Step 5: Season the tomatoes lightly with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Stir the cheese mixture until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 8: Transfer the cheese mixture to an oven-safe dish or keep it in the skillet if oven-safe.
Step 9: Spread the sautéed tomatoes evenly over the cheese base.
Step 10: Spoon dollops of basil pesto over the top.
Step 11: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 12: Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped basil.
Step 13: Let cool slightly before serving warm with crusty bread.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended due to the creamy cheese base.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm and creamy again.
🥄 Variations
Simple ways to customize while keeping the caprese charm:
- Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella for a stretchier dip.
- Creamier Texture: Add a bit more sour cream.
- Herb Boost: Add extra fresh basil before serving.
- Roasted Flavor: Roast the tomatoes longer for deeper sweetness.
- Party Style: Serve in a small skillet for a rustic presentation.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is this dip served hot or cold?
Best served warm and bubbly. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and bake just before serving. - Is pesto required?
It adds flavor, but the dip is still delicious without it. - Can kids enjoy this dip?
Yes, it’s mild and creamy. - Does the cheese get stretchy?
Yes, especially the mozzarella. - Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, any good melting cheese works. - Will the tomatoes make it watery?
No, sautéing removes excess moisture. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for larger gatherings. - What’s the best bread to serve with it?
Crusty bread works best. - Is this good for parties?
It’s always one of the first dishes gone.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Caprese Dip is a warm, creamy twist on a classic favorite—fresh, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to an easy yet impressive appetizer. Once you serve it, don’t be surprised if guests ask for the recipe before the dish is empty.
Easy Caprese Dip – Creamy, Cheesy & Fresh Party Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
Simple ways to customize while keeping the caprese charm: Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella for a stretchier dip. Creamier Texture: Add a bit more sour cream. Herb Boost: Add extra fresh basil before serving. Roasted Flavor: Roast the tomatoes longer for deeper sweetness. Party Style: Serve in a small skillet for a rustic presentation. ❓ 10 FAQs Is this dip served hot or cold?
Best served warm and bubbly. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and bake just before serving. Is pesto required?
It adds flavor, but the dip is still delicious without it. Can kids enjoy this dip?
Yes, it’s mild and creamy. Does the cheese get stretchy?
Yes, especially the mozzarella. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, any good melting cheese works. Will the tomatoes make it watery?
No, sautéing removes excess moisture. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for larger gatherings. What’s the best bread to serve with it?
Crusty bread works best. Is this good for parties?
It’s always one of the first dishes gone. 🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Caprese Dip is a warm, creamy twist on a classic favorite—fresh, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to an easy yet impressive appetizer. Once you serve it, don’t be surprised if guests ask for the recipe before the dish is empty.
