Easy Caprese Dip

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

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease an oven-safe baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Assemble the Dip

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
2. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
3. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, pressing them slightly into the cheese.
4. Drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. (Optional) Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, slightly crisp top.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
2. 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.

Easy Caprese Dip

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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method

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)

Equipment

• - Oven-safe baking dish (8x8 or similar)
• - Mixing bowl
• - Knife & cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. #### **Step 1: Preheat & Prep**
2. Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
3. Grease an **oven-safe baking dish** with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
4. #### **Step 2: Assemble the Dip**
5. In a bowl, mix **cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano** until well combined.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
7. Top with **halved cherry tomatoes**, pressing them slightly into the cheese.
8. Drizzle with **olive oil** for extra richness.
9. #### **Step 3: Bake**
10. Bake for **15-18 minutes**, until the cheese is **melted and bubbly**.
11. (Optional) Broil for **2-3 minutes** for a golden, slightly crisp top.
12. #### **Step 4: Garnish & Serve**
13. Sprinkle with **fresh basil** and drizzle with **balsamic glaze**.
14. Serve warm with **toasted bread, crackers, or pita chips**.