Creamy Cheesy Caprese Dip with Fresh Basil & Tomatoes (Print Version)

Creamy Cheesy Caprese Dip is a fresh, vibrant appetizer! Experience melted mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for any gathering.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ The Creamy Base

01 - 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened
02 - 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, full-fat
03 - 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

→ Fresh Caprese Flavors

05 - 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/4 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
10 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ For Serving

12 - Crusty bread, crackers, or pita chips

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your players ready. Soften that cream cheese on the counter—seriously, don't skip this, your arms will thank you! Halve your cherry tomatoes, and give your fresh basil a good chop. I always try to get everything laid out before I start mixing, helps avoid those "oops, forgot that" moments. It feels like getting ready for a little party in the kitchen, honestly.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, a good pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Mix it all together until it's super smooth and creamy. I usually use a spatula, getting all those cheesy bits incorporated. It should look like a glorious, thick white cloud of deliciousness. Don't worry if it looks a little messy, that's just part of the charm!
03 - Spoon this dreamy cheese mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish—a pie plate or an 8x8 inch dish works perfectly. Spread it out evenly. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You're looking for it to be bubbly around the edges and slightly golden on top. The smell is going to start getting really good about now, like warm, cheesy comfort!
04 - Once the dip is hot and bubbly, carefully pull it out of the oven. This is where the magic happens! Scatter your halved cherry tomatoes all over the top, then generously sprinkle with that fresh, chopped basil. It looks so vibrant and pretty, like a little edible garden. I love how the heat from the dip slightly wilts the basil, releasing all its amazing fragrance.
05 - If you want those tomatoes to get a little extra blistered and the cheese to be even more golden, you can pop it back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. BUT, and this is a big BUT, watch it like a hawk! Broilers are notorious for going from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. I've definitely learned that the hard way, staring at a slightly charred dip once. Keep that oven light on, my friend!
06 - Let the Cheesy Caprese Dip cool for just a few minutes before serving. It'll be piping hot, and you don't want to burn your tongue, trust me. Serve it straight from the dish with your favorite crusty bread, crackers, or pita chips. The cheese will be wonderfully gooey and stretchy, and those fresh flavors really sing. It's truly one of those dishes that just makes you happy from the first bite!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on full-fat dairy; it makes all the difference, honestly.
02 - You can prep the cheese mixture a day ahead and bake when ready.
03 - If you're out of fresh basil, a tiny bit of dried basil works, but it's not the same, just saying.
04 - Serve it straight from the oven in a pretty dish, looks so inviting!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 8x8 inch baking dish or pie plate
02 - mixing bowl
03 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 15g

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