Life with sonja

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as impressive as it is easy to make? Look no further than this hot Caprese dip! This recipe takes the classic flavors of a Caprese salad – fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – and transforms them into a warm, cheesy dip that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For this hot Caprese dip, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tsp of balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (190°C). This ensures that your dip will bake evenly and achieve that perfect bubbly, golden top.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, half of mozzarella, and half of Parmesan cheese, half of fresh basil, minced garlic and slat and pepper. Mix until well blended. Spread this cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.

Step 3: Top with Tomatoes and Basil and rest of the cheese

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the cheese layer. Add the rest of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle rest of the chopped fresh basil on top. Drizzle more balsamic gleze (optional) over the entire dish.

Step 4: Bake the Dip

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, drizzle with more balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the dip with sliced baguette, crackers, or veggie sticks. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Hot Caprese Dip

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil are key to achieving the best flavor in this dip.
2. Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantities of cheese, tomatoes, and basil to your liking. You can never have too much cheese!
3. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

This hot Caprese dip with fresh mozzarella is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with the classic flavors of a Caprese salad. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear in no time.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

Sonja