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Home » Appetizers » Hot Caprese Dip with Pesto – The Best Cheesy Appetizer

Published: Mar 9, 2025 · Modified: Mar 18, 2025 by olivia olivia

Hot Caprese Dip with Pesto – The Best Cheesy Appetizer

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If you love Caprese salad, then you're going to be obsessed with this hot Caprese dip with pesto! It’s the perfect warm summer appetizer, packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey, melted cheese. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or even veggies for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

A close-up of a cheesy baked dip with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, with a slice of toasted bread pulling gooey melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Dip

  • Packed with summer flavors – ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil.
  • The perfect blend of cheesy and gooey – mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan!
  • An easy, no-fuss appetizer – just 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Perfect for parties – serve it at summer BBQs, game nights, or holiday gatherings.
  • Simple ingredients, bold flavors – nothing fancy, just classic Italian-inspired goodness.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this hot Caprese dip with pesto:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (grape tomatoes work too!)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup fresh chopped basil
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
  • 8 oz shredded provolone cheese
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving

How to Make Caprese Dip

This baked Caprese dip is so simple—just five easy steps!

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the middle position.
  2. Roast the tomatoes – Add whole cherry tomatoes to a 2-quart baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.
A white baking dish filled with whole roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and pesto sauce, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt
  1. Mix the dip – In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, basil, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
A white bowl filled with creamy ricotta cheese dip, topped with grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves, with a wooden spoon.
  1. Assemble the dip – Once the tomatoes are roasted, add the cheese mixture and stir to combine. Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes and place them on top.
A white casserole dish filled with creamy ricotta cheese dip, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and drizzled with olive oil.
  1. Bake again – Bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  2. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve with crusty bread or crackers.
A baked ricotta dip topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted cheese, served with crispy toasted bread on the side

Serving Suggestions

The best part of this Caprese dip with cream cheese? The dippers! Try these options:

  • Crusty bread – toasted baguette slices, sourdough, or ciabatta.
  • Crackers – any variety will work!
  • Pita chips – for an extra crunch.
  • Tortilla chips – a fun twist!
  • Low-carb options – cucumber slices, zucchini rounds, or bell peppers.

How to Store and Reheat

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or microwave in 20-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Caprese Cheese Dip

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's fully melted.

What are the best dippers to serve with this dip?

Crusty bread, crostini, pita chips, tortilla chips, or crackers work great. For a lower-carb option, try sliced bell peppers or cucumber rounds.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan are classic, you can swap in Fontina, Gruyère, or smoked mozzarella for a richer taste.

Can I make this dip dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based sour cream. Make sure your pesto is also dairy-free.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or microwave in 20-second intervals.

Can I add protein to this dip?

Definitely! Try cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta for a heartier dip.

More Delicious Appetizers

Looking for more crowd-pleasing dips? Try these recipes:

  • Jalapeño Popper Dip – Spicy, cheesy, and addictive!
  • Best Appetizer to Bring to a Party – A guaranteed hit at any gathering.
  • Taco Ranch Bites Recipe – Perfect for game day or snack time.

For another fun and delicious appetizer, check out this Easter Brunch Bites recipe—a perfect pairing with this dip!

Final Thoughts

This hot Caprese dip with pesto is the ultimate cheesy appetizer that’s easy to make and always a hit. Whether you're serving it for a summer BBQ, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to impress.

So, grab your favorite dippers, dig in, and enjoy the melty, cheesy, basil-packed goodness of this baked Caprese dip!

Love This Recipe? Share It!

If you made this hot Caprese dip with balsamic glaze, let me know how you liked it by leaving a review! Also, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest so you can make it again later.

A side-by-side comparison of two delicious Caprese dips: one with gooey melted cheese and roasted tomatoes, and the other a baked Caprese dip with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes, labeled with 'oliviahealthyliving.com'
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A close-up of a cheesy tomato dip with melted mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, and fresh basil, served with crusty bread for dipping.

Caprese Dip – The Ultimate Cheesy Summer Appetizer


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

If you love Caprese salad, then you're going to be obsessed with this hot Caprese dip! It’s the perfect warm summer appetizer, packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey, melted cheese. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or even veggies for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (grape tomatoes work too!)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup fresh chopped basil
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
  • 8 oz shredded provolone cheese
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the middle position.
  2. Add whole cherry tomatoes to a 2-quart baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, basil, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
  4. Once the tomatoes are roasted, add the cheese mixture and stir to combine. Slice the remaining cup of cherry tomatoes and place them on top.
  5. Bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or microwave in 20-second intervals. To make ahead, prepare and store in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. Customize with additional cheese types or added protein like crumbled Italian sausage or crispy pancetta.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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