This Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip is a bright and tasty dish that brings together fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s perfect for sharing!
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just mix everything together, and you have a delicious dip that’s great with crusty bread or crunchy chips. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small tomatoes are ideal for a fresh flavor. If you can’t find them, regular tomatoes can work—just chop them into smaller pieces for a similar effect.
Fresh Mozzarella: I recommend using bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) for easy mixing. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based mozzarella alternative, which is becoming more popular.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re watching calories, you could use low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese, but ricotta gives that smooth texture that I love in dips.
Fresh Basil: The star of this dish! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with a teaspoon of dried basil or another fresh herb like parsley, but the flavor will be different.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cheesy Texture?
Getting that cheesy goodness requires mixing the right ingredients smoothly. Start with the ricotta and mozzarella:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta and shredded mozzarella with garlic and basil.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Spread evenly in your baking dish to promote even melting.
Make sure to bake until the top is golden and bubbly. This will give you that perfect warm and gooey dip that’s irresistible!
How to Make Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or small balls (bocconcini), roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- Baguette slices or crostini, toasted, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a quick snack or an appetizer at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your dip is ready to go in!
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, sliced basil, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything until it’s well combined and creamy. This will be the base of your delicious dip!
3. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Take your cheese mixture and spread it evenly into a small baking dish or an oven-safe serving dish. Make sure it’s nice and smooth on the top!
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add the cherry or grape tomatoes. Arrange them evenly on top of the cheese mixture, cut-side up, to make it look pretty and appetizing.
5. Season and Drizzle:
Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle some salt and pepper on top to enhance the flavor.
6. Bake the Dip:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and the tomatoes to be slightly roasted. This is where the magic happens!
7. Finish with Balsamic Glaze:
If you like, drizzle some balsamic vinegar or glaze over the top once it’s out of the oven. This adds a delicious tangy flavor that complements the dip wonderfully.
8. Garnish:
Top off your dip with extra fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with toasted baguette slices or crostini for dipping. Enjoy sharing (or not sharing!) this vibrant and creamy Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip—it’s sure to be a hit!
Happy dipping!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Try using goat cheese for a tangy flavor or a blend of different cheeses like provolone or feta for a unique twist.
How Do I Store Leftover Dip?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a day. Just add the tomatoes and bake it just before serving for the best results.
What Can I Serve with This Dip Besides Baguette?
This dip pairs beautifully with various dippers! Besides baguette slices, you can use pita chips, vegetable sticks (like cucumber or bell peppers), or even crackers for a delightful crunch.
