Caprese Dip Fresh Tomatoes

This creamy caprese dip transforms classic Italian flavors into a warm, irresistible appetizer perfect for gatherings. The combination of roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and three melty cheeses creates a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or your favorite crackers.

I first made this dip for a summer garden party, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now my friends specifically request this whenever we have potluck gatherings, especially during tomato season when the flavors are at their peak.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: these sweet little gems burst with flavor when roasted and provide both texture and bright acidity to balance the richness
• Olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor as it forms the base of the dish
• Basil pesto: provides concentrated herb flavor and richness throughout the dip rather than just using fresh basil alone
• Fresh garlic: adds essential aromatic depth. Look for firm bulbs with tight skin for the freshest flavor
• Kosher salt and black pepper: essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish
• Sour cream: creates the creamy base that holds everything together while adding a subtle tang
• Fresh basil: the signature herb in any caprese dish, choose bright green leaves without any brown spots
• Fresh mozzarella: provides those signature stretchy cheese pulls and mild dairy flavor. Buy a high quality brand for best results
• Provolone cheese: adds a slightly sharper flavor dimension than mozzarella alone would provide
• Parmesan cheese: contributes salty umami notes and helps create a golden top when baked
• Bread or crackers for serving: crusty Italian bread works beautifully, but any hearty cracker will do

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the tomato base:

Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack in the middle position. Add 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes to a 2 quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then add pesto, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated in this flavorful mixture. Bake for 15 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Create the cheese mixture:

While the tomatoes roast, combine sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a large bowl. Stir until the basil is evenly distributed throughout the sour cream. Add the fresh mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan to the bowl. Mix gently to combine all ingredients without compacting the cheese too much.

Combine and top:

Once the tomatoes finish their initial roasting, remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the cheese mixture to the hot tomatoes and gently fold everything together. The residual heat will start melting the cheese slightly. Take the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes, slice them in half, and arrange them decoratively on top of the cheese mixture.

Final bake:

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. You're looking for the cheese to be completely melted, the top to develop a light golden color, and the edges to be actively bubbling. These visual cues tell you the dip has reached the perfect consistency and temperature.

Garnish and serve:

Remove from the oven and immediately top with additional fresh basil. Wait until this moment to add the fresh herbs as they'll wilt and discolor if baked with the dip. Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.

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You Must Know

• This dip is best served hot when the cheese is at its stretchiest
• Can be made with any variety of cherry or grape tomatoes, even mixed colors for visual appeal
• The cast iron skillet option keeps the dip warmer longer when serving
• Perfect for both summer gatherings when tomatoes are at their peak and winter parties when you need a warm, comforting appetizer

I discovered this recipe during a bumper crop of cherry tomatoes from my garden. Rather than making another batch of sauce, I wanted something that would showcase their fresh flavor. Now it's become our traditional first-day-of-summer meal, served on the patio with a glass of crisp white wine as we celebrate the beginning of tomato season.

Make Ahead Options

This dip can be partially prepared in advance to save time before serving. Roast the tomatoes and prepare the cheese mixture separately up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store both components covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bring the cheese mixture to room temperature while you reheat the roasted tomatoes for about 5 minutes in a 400°F oven. Then combine and continue with the final baking step. This advance preparation makes the dip perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

While the classic combination creates the authentic caprese experience, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If you cannot find provolone, substitute it with more mozzarella or try fontina for a different flavor profile. Ricotta can replace some of the sour cream for an even creamier texture. No fresh basil? Use spinach with a touch of dried basil in the cheese mixture, though the fresh herb garnish is truly worth seeking out. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream, though the flavor will be tangier.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dip pairs beautifully with many accompaniments beyond the standard bread and crackers. Try serving it with toasted pita triangles, breadsticks, or even fresh vegetable crudités like bell pepper strips and cucumber rounds for a lower-carb option. For a complete appetizer spread, pair this dip with antipasto skewers, marinated olives, and a selection of Italian cured meats. The dip also makes a surprisingly delicious topping for grilled chicken or fish when you have leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cheese works best for this dip?

A combination of fresh mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan creates a creamy and flavorful texture that's ideal for this dish.

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and assemble the dish ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best taste.

→ What can I serve with this dip?

Crusty bread, crackers, or even tortilla chips pair perfectly. Choose a sturdy option to scoop up the cheesy goodness easily.

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works just as well. Feel free to use homemade for a fresher flavor, if preferred.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.