Description
Savory caprese dip blends classic Italian flavors with creamy textures. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil combine in a simple, irresistible appetizer that will delight guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella, cubed or torn into pieces
- 2 cups (473 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C), establishing the perfect thermal environment for culinary transformation.
- Cheese Fusion: Pulverize cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic into a silky, harmonious mixture, ensuring complete integration of flavors and textures.
- Composition Assembly: Distribute the cheese amalgamation into an oven-safe receptacle, creating an even, luxurious foundation for the impending flavor symphony.
- Ingredient Layering: Strategically disperse cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cubes across the creamy landscape, maximizing visual and gustatory appeal.
- Flavor Enhancement: Cascade premium olive oil over the arranged elements, punctuating with a delicate dusting of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Thermal Metamorphosis: Nestle the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes for the ingredients to meld, bubble, and transform into a golden, effervescent masterpiece.
- Final Flourish: Adorn with verdant basil leaves and optionally embellish with an elegant balsamic glaze zigzag, creating a visually stunning and aromatic appetizer.
- Serving Suggestion: Unveil the molten creation immediately, accompanied by crusty baguette slices, crisp crackers, or vibrant vegetable crudités for an indulgent communal experience.
Notes
- Adjust Cheese Consistency: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free base that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
- Prevent Watery Dip: Pat cherry tomatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing the dip from becoming runny and maintaining a rich, creamy texture.
- Customize Herb Intensity: Experiment with fresh basil quantities to suit your taste, starting with a light sprinkle and adding more for a more pronounced herbaceous flavor.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap regular cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use vegan mozzarella to create a delicious plant-based version that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 154
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg