The Caprese Dip is an indulgent twist on the classic Italian salad, turning it into a warm and bubbly appetizer perfect for any occasion. Creamy cheeses blended with herbs, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, and finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze create a perfectly melty dip that everyone will crave.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, planning a cozy movie night, or just need something savory to snack on, this baked Caprese Dip is a go-to recipe. It brings together rustic Italian flavors in a way that’s comforting yet impressive. Plus, it only takes minutes to prepare—just mix, bake, and serve!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
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Crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the baking dish.
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Top with the halved cherry tomatoes, spreading them across the surface.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
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Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Delicious and Modern Twist on a Classic Favorite
Caprese salad is a timeless staple in Italian cuisine, known for its simplicity and elegance. Made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, it’s a dish that celebrates the power of fresh ingredients. But what happens when you take all those beloved flavors and turn them into a warm, bubbling dip? You get a show-stopping appetizer that’s impossible to resist: the Baked Caprese Dip.
This dish is essentially comfort food disguised as a fancy appetizer. It retains all the classic flavors of a traditional Caprese salad but transforms them into a rich, creamy, and dippable format. The combination of cheeses, herbs, and roasted tomatoes creates a deeply satisfying taste experience that’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or even cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Dip
There’s so much to love about this dish, from its bold flavors to its ease of preparation. It’s one of those recipes that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes with minimal effort. That makes it perfect not just for seasoned home cooks but also for beginners looking to impress.
The dip is warm, cheesy, and infused with Italian herbs that make your kitchen smell like a trattoria. The texture is delightfully creamy, with pockets of melted mozzarella and a tangy kick from the Parmesan. Once it’s baked to golden perfection, the finishing touch of balsamic glaze and fresh basil cuts through the richness with a burst of brightness.
And let’s not forget the versatility—serve it with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette. You can even use fresh veggies for a gluten-free or lower-carb option.
Perfect for Entertaining
One of the biggest appeals of this Caprese Dip is how it seamlessly fits into any type of gathering. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a birthday party, a potluck, or a casual movie night, this dish always gets rave reviews.
Because it’s served warm and fresh from the oven, it adds a touch of homemade charm to your appetizer spread. Plus, it holds well on a buffet table and doesn’t require constant babysitting. Just pop it in the oven right before your guests arrive, and you’re ready to serve up smiles.
For those hosting larger events, it’s easy to double or even triple the recipe. Simply use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the bake time. The result is the same: a melty, mouthwatering masterpiece.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Even picky eaters and those unfamiliar with Caprese salad tend to love this dip. The melted cheese and creamy texture make it highly appealing, especially for kids who might turn their noses up at a raw tomato salad. Once baked, the tomatoes soften and sweeten, creating a more approachable and comforting flavor.
It’s also a hit with guests of all ages because of its familiar flavor profile. Who doesn’t love cheese and tomatoes together? And when served with crispy bread or crackers, the dip becomes a textural adventure that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Customizable to Your Taste
The base recipe is already delicious, but it also leaves room for creativity. Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a layer of pepper jack cheese. Prefer it extra garlicky? Throw in some roasted garlic or a bit more garlic powder. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or a reduced-fat cream cheese. If you’re catering to a dairy-free crowd, there are plenty of plant-based cheese alternatives that melt beautifully and still offer great flavor.
Additionally, you can bulk it up by adding cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or finely chopped spinach for more substance. These tweaks allow you to make the dish your own while staying true to the original inspiration.
How to Serve Baked Caprese Dip
Presentation matters, especially when you’re entertaining. Serve the dip in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic ceramic baking dish to keep it warm longer and add visual appeal. A drizzle of dark balsamic glaze and a scattering of fresh basil leaves right before serving give it a professional, finished look.
As for what to serve with it, the options are endless. Sliced baguette, toasted crostini, and garlic bread are all traditional and satisfying. But don’t stop there—try serving it with crisp veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or even thick-cut zucchini rounds for a refreshing contrast.
Want to get creative? Offer it as part of a DIY bruschetta bar or appetizer platter. Include small bowls of olives, marinated artichokes, and prosciutto to make it more of a Mediterranean spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the oven, it does store well. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly again.
If you want to make it ahead of time, you can fully assemble the dip (minus the tomatoes and balsamic glaze), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the tomatoes on top and proceed with the recipe as directed.
This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or planning ahead for a busy event day.
Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations
This dip is indulgent, no doubt, but it can easily fit into many lifestyles depending on the modifications you choose. It’s naturally gluten-free (just be mindful of what you serve it with) and can be made vegetarian without any changes. If you’re low-carb or keto, pair it with vegetable dippers or keto-friendly crackers.
You also have the option of using light or dairy-free alternatives to suit your preferences or dietary needs. With so many customizable aspects, this recipe can accommodate nearly anyone at the table.
Conclusion
The Baked Caprese Dip is a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free appetizer that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It takes the iconic Caprese salad and reinvents it into something warm, comforting, and shareable. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing for a holiday event, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Its versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible taste make it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Plus, it’s an easy way to bring the elegance of Italian flavors into your kitchen, no matter the season or occasion.
So go ahead—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress. One bite, and your guests will be begging for the recipe.