Caprese Dip Appetizer: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Favorite Recipe
This Caprese Dip appetizer offers a delicious twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, combining creamy cheeses, fresh cherry tomatoes, and basil with a tangy balsamic glaze to create a smooth, flavorful dip perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water and slice them in half to ensure freshness and even bite-sized pieces in the dip.
- Halve mozzarella balls: Cut the fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) in half to match the size of the tomatoes, making the dip balanced and easy to scoop.
- Chop basil: Use the chiffonade technique to finely slice the fresh basil leaves, enhancing the dip with a burst of fresh herb flavor.
- Mix balsamic glaze seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the balsamic glaze with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a tangy seasoning drizzle.
- Soften cream cheese: Place the softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. If it’s too firm, microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften it further for smooth mixing.
- Add creamy bases: Incorporate sour cream and mayonnaise into the cream cheese, which will add richness and creaminess to the dip.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes to infuse flavor and subtle spice.
- Blend mixture: Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend all creamy ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring an even texture throughout the dip.
- Fold in fresh ingredients: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil using a spatula, being careful to keep the fresh ingredients intact for texture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dip and add more salt, pepper, or seasoning if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Transfer to serving dish: Spoon the dip into your preferred serving bowl or dish, preparing it for presentation.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze: Pour the balsamic glaze mixture evenly over the top of the dip, adding a flavorful and visually appealing touch.
- Garnish: Decorate the dip with additional fresh basil leaves to enhance appearance and aroma.
- Serve: Offer the dip alongside crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping, perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Notes
- To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave in short bursts—avoid overheating to keep the texture smooth.
- If you prefer a less tangy dip, reduce the amount of balsamic glaze or drizzle it lightly only when serving.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor or increased for extra heat.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted with burrata for a creamier texture.
- Use gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for a gluten-free appetizer option.
- For best flavor, prepare the dip a few hours ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
Keywords: Caprese dip, Italian appetizer, creamy dip, cherry tomato dip, mozzarella dip, party appetizer, easy dip recipe
