Why Make This Recipe
Hot Caprese Dip is a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer that perfectly blends the flavors of a classic Caprese salad into a warm, creamy dip. It’s great for gatherings, game days, or even a cozy night in. The combination of rich cream cheese, melty mozzarella, and fresh basil makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your friends and family.
How to Make Hot Caprese Dip
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture part skim mozzarella
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnishing
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, more to taste
- 2 cups grape tomatoes (10 ounce package)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, patted dry and cut into small pieces
- Bread or crackers for dipping
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped basil, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange grape tomatoes evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Place the fresh mozzarella pieces over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with more pepper if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbling, and tomatoes are starting to burst.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with additional fresh basil for garnish.
How to Serve Hot Caprese Dip
Serve Hot Caprese Dip warm with a variety of dippers like crusty bread, baguette slices, or your favorite crackers. It’s a perfect starter or snack for parties or casual gatherings.
How to Store Hot Caprese Dip
If you have leftovers, let the dip cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to three days. To reheat, place it back in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Hot Caprese Dip
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Use cherry or heirloom tomatoes for a burst of sweet flavor.
Variation
Try adding cooked sausage or grilled chicken for a heartier dip. You can also mix in different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Caprese Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use for dipping besides bread?
Crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper also make great dippers.
Can I freeze Hot Caprese Dip?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dip as the texture can change after thawing. The best experience comes from enjoying it fresh and warm.
Hot Caprese Dip
Ingredients
For the cheese mixture
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture part skim mozzarella
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil Plus more for garnishing.
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper More to taste.
For assembly
- 2 cups grape tomatoes (10 ounce package) You can use cherry or heirloom tomatoes for a burst of sweet flavor.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, patted dry and cut into small pieces
- 1 serving Bread or crackers for dipping Various dippers like crusty bread, baguette slices, or your favorite crackers can be used.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped basil, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Assembly and Baking
- Arrange grape tomatoes evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Place the fresh mozzarella pieces over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with more pepper if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbling, and tomatoes are starting to burst.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with additional fresh basil for garnish.