Description
Creamy Caprese Dip brings Italian sunshine to your appetizer table, blending fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a delightful twist. Crowd-pleasing and simple, you’ll want this crowd-pleaser at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella, cubed or torn into pieces
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Cheese and Cream Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Oil Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredient:
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the ideal temperature for transforming cream cheese into a luscious, bubbling dip.
- Craft a creamy base by blending cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and finely minced garlic until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Transfer the luxurious cheese mixture into a compact oven-safe vessel, spreading it evenly to create a delectable foundation.
- Artfully scatter halved cherry tomatoes and tender mozzarella cubes across the surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Drizzle premium olive oil over the arranged ingredients, then delicately season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and effervescent.
- Carefully extract the dip from the oven, revealing its molten, appetizing appearance.
- Lavishly garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, introducing a vibrant herbaceous element.
- For an optional luxurious finish, elegantly zigzag balsamic glaze across the surface.
- Present immediately alongside crusty baguette slices, crisp crackers, or an assortment of raw vegetable crudités for an irresistible appetizer experience.
Notes
- Preheat your oven precisely to ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning, creating a perfectly golden, bubbling dip.
- Replace cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream for a vegan version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
- Opt for high-quality, fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes to elevate the flavor profile and bring authentic Italian freshness to the dish.
- Experiment with herb variations by adding fresh thyme or oregano alongside basil for a unique twist on the classic Caprese flavor combination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg