Dessert

Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Three Cheeses Recipe

Name: Caprese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Three Cheeses Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes (divided into 1 cup whole and 1 cup halved); 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 (optional); 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil (plus extra for garnish); 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, for serving

BySimon Carel January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

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Introduction

This Caprese Dip recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian salad, combining roasted cherry tomatoes with a blend of creamy cheeses and fresh basil. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, it’s warm, cheesy, and bursting with vibrant flavors that everyone will love.

The dish is a white bowl filled with a creamy, melted cheese base that is smooth and slightly bubbly, topped with bright red cherry tomato halves scattered across the surface. Fresh green herbs, likely spinach or basil, are mixed evenly throughout the cheese, adding a fresh green color and texture contrast. Around the edges and within the dish, there are several pieces of golden-brown toasted bread slices, crispy and textured. A woman's hand is lifting one piece of toasted bread, which is covered with stretchy, melted cheese strands pulling away from the dish. The bowl is set against 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
½ 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 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, then add pesto, minced garlic, and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 3: While the tomatoes roast, mix the sour cream and chopped fresh basil in a bowl. Add the mozzarella chunks, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan to this mixture.
Step 4: When the tomatoes are finished roasting, add the cheese mixture to the dish and toss to combine with the tomatoes. Cut the remaining 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on top of the cheese mixture.
Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh basil just before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh homemade pesto for a vibrant flavor boost, or opt for a high-quality store-bought version for convenience.
For a spicy kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Try substituting the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist and a lighter texture.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving for an extra layer of sweetness and acidity.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F or in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. The dip may thicken when chilled, so stir well before serving.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with a baked dip that has a creamy, melted cheese layer at the bottom, topped with many halved bright red cherry tomatoes and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs all over. The edges of the dip show slight browning from baking. Around the dish, there are several pieces of golden toasted bread with a crunchy texture, arranged on a wooden board on top of a white marbled surface. A cluster of fresh cherry tomatoes on the vine and fresh green basil leaves lie nearby beside a folded cloth with a blue and white check pattern. Two small metal shakers sit close to the toast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato and cheese mixtures separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and the cheese nicely melted.

What can I serve with Caprese Dip?

This dip pairs perfectly with crusty baguette slices, assorted crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell peppers for a lighter option.