If you love Caprese salad, you’ll adore this Easy Caprese Dip! This warm, cheesy dip takes fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil and transforms them into a bubbly, melty appetizer that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread or crackers. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for parties, game nights, or anytime you need a simple yet delicious snack.
This dip delivers all the classic Italian flavors you love—gooey mozzarella, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant basil—in a creamy, irresistible form. It’s fast to make and even faster to disappear once served!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Oven-safe baking dish (8×8 or similar)
- Mixing bowl
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Overview
- Mozzarella & Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, gooey base.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts with juicy, fresh flavor.
- Basil & Garlic: Adds aromatic Italian flair.
- Balsamic Glaze: Brings a hint of sweetness and tang.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- Toasted bread, crackers, or pita chips (for serving)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease an oven-safe baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Assemble the Dip
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes, pressing them slightly into the cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- (Optional) Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, slightly crisp top.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, or pita chips.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Total Time
28 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~210
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Protein: ~12g
Expert Tips
- For Extra Creaminess: Add 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- For More Flavor: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning before baking.
- For a Chunky Version: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Yes! Slice fresh mozzarella and layer it over the cream cheese mixture before baking.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based dips can separate when thawed.
Substitutions & Variations
- Low-Carb: Serve with sliced cucumbers or bell peppers instead of bread.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives.
- Meaty Twist: Add crispy prosciutto or bacon for extra depth.
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Easy Caprese Dip
Equipment
- - Oven-safe baking dish (8x8 or similar)
- - Mixing bowl
- - Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- - 8 oz cream cheese softened
- - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 tablespoon olive oil
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- - 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze optional, for drizzling
- - Toasted bread crackers, or pita chips (for serving)
Instructions
- #### **Step 1: Preheat & Prep**
- Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
- Grease an **oven-safe baking dish** with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
- #### **Step 2: Assemble the Dip**
- In a bowl, mix **cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano** until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Top with **halved cherry tomatoes**, pressing them slightly into the cheese.
- Drizzle with **olive oil** for extra richness.
- #### **Step 3: Bake**
- Bake for **15-18 minutes**, until the cheese is **melted and bubbly**.
- (Optional) Broil for **2-3 minutes** for a golden, slightly crisp top.
- #### **Step 4: Garnish & Serve**
- Sprinkle with **fresh basil** and drizzle with **balsamic glaze**.
- Serve warm with **toasted bread, crackers, or pita chips**.
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