Dessert

Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Name: Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Melted Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes (divided); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store bought); 5 cloves garlic, minced; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes, to taste; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil; 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks; 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips

ByJulian Dempsey January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

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Introduction

This Caprese Dip is a warm, cheesy twist on the classic Italian salad. Combining roasted cherry tomatoes, layers of melty cheese, and fresh basil, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or as a party appetizer. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A white oval dish filled with a baked creamy cheese dip topped with bright red cherry tomato halves and small whole cherry tomatoes scattered evenly. The cheese layer underneath is melted and slightly browned at the edges with a smooth, gooey texture. Chopped fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top adding color contrast. Toasted golden-brown bread slices are dipped into the cheese dip with some covered in melted cheese, creating a stretchy, creamy effect. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store bought)
5 cloves garlic (minced)
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese (cut into chunks)
8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the middle.
Step 2: Place 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes in the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and add pesto, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 3: While the tomatoes roast, mix sour cream and chopped basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven, add the cheese mixture, and toss gently to combine. Slice the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese layer.
Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese melts, the top starts turning golden, and the edges bubble. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top just before serving.
Step 6: Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or serve with spicy chips.
Use homemade basil pesto for a more vibrant flavor.
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier dip.
Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before baking for a sweet contrast.
For a vegetarian option, ensure your cheeses do not contain animal rennet.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a creamy cheese dip that has a golden, slightly browned top layer. The dip is decorated with bright red halved cherry tomatoes scattered evenly across the surface. Chopped green herbs are sprinkled throughout, adding green color contrast. Two golden toasted bread slices are dipped into the dip on the right side, partially covered with melted cheese. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the edges of the dip show slight browning from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

You can assemble the dip a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to ensure the cheese melts perfectly and the flavors are fresh.