This Hot Caprese Dip is a party dip favorite using mozzarella cheese, pesto and sweet tomatoes. An easy appetizer your guests will love!
What Goes Into It
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this cheesy hot caprese dip. A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Tomatoes – I like to use cherry tomatoes, also called grape tomatoes, because they are small, sweet and easy to work with. Make sure they are cut in half.
- Cheese – This dip is very cheesy, so I like to use two types. I use both mozzarella cheese (this is a caprese dip after all,) and monterey jack cheese.
- Sour cream – I love adding sour cream to this dip because it takes the creamy factor up a notch while also giving it a slight tang.
- Pesto sauce – You can either make your own homemade pesto or use your favorite store bought brand.
- Salt and pepper – This dip already has so much flavor, the only seasoning it needs is salt and pepper. I used a blend of fine sea salt and white pepper.
How to Whip This Up
You are going to love how easy it is to make this hot caprese dip. Simply mix, bake and enjoy!
- Combine ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded monterey jack cheese, sour cream, pesto sauce, fine sea salt, white pepper and halved tomatoes.
- Add to baking dish. Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer dip to casserole dish.
- Top with tomatoes and bake. Top dip with remaining tomatoes. Bake until warm and bubbly.
- Stir and allow to rest. Remove and stir well to combine. There will be liquid on the top, this will mix with the cheese to form a thicker cheese dip. Allow to rest before serving.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve with crackers, crostini or your favorite dippers.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – Using salt in a recipe helps to bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients. In this instance I use fine sea salt. Keep in mind that different salts measure differently. Taste test before adding more.
- Seasonings – I like to let the ingredients of this dish shine without too many seasonings. However, it would be delicious to add something like garlic or fresh basil.
- Sauces – To continue with the caprese theme, you could certainly drizzle some balsamic glaze on top to finish it off.
- Swaps – Instead of fresh tomatoes (or in addition to) try adding in some sundried tomatoes. You can also swap the cheeses for your favorites.
- Senses – With the aromas of melty cheese and roasted tomatoes, you will feel like you’re stepping into an Italian grandma’s kitchen!
Perfect Pairings
Caprese Salad is one of my favorite flavor combinations. Sweet, luscious tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil that hits your nose before it touches your mouth. It is my go-to salad at restaurants.
That said, it pairs well with just about any main dish you’d like to serve it with. If you want to stick with Italian, try pairing it with a pasta like Baked Mostaccioli or Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs. It would also be great with Homemade Italian Sausage.
Of course, you can dip just about anything into this cheesy dip. My personal preference is crusty bread or crostinis. Garlic bread would work perfectly too.
Storage, Make Ahead & Freezing
Can I make Hot Caprese Dip ahead of time?
You sure can! In fact some folks might argue that it tastes better made the day before so the flavors can marry. However, I wouldn’t suggest making it more than 1 day in advance. Cook it when you are ready to serve.
How to Store
Hot Caprese Dip can be keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if kept covered in an airtight container.
How do I reheat spinach artichoke dip?
Place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or the microwave for a quick reheat.
Can I Freeze Hot Caprese Dip?
You sure can! Place it into an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat according to the original directions.
More Tomato Filled Recipes
Whether you have tomatoes from the garden to use up or you’re just a tomato lover like me, you are going to love these appetizers and dinners.
Hot Caprese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups NatureSweet™ Tomatoes , halved and divided
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese , shredded
- 1 1/2 cups monterey jack cheese , shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded monterey jack cheese, sour cream, pesto sauce, fine sea salt, white pepper and 1 cup halved tomatoes.
- Coat a 1.5 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer dip to casserole dish.
- Top dip with remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until warm and bubbly.
- Remove and stir well to combine. There will be liquid on the top, this will mix with the cheese to form a thicker cheese dip. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with crackers or crostini.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
Nutrition
Can the Hot Caprese Dip either be made in a small crockpot or put it in a small crockpot after cooking to keep it warm during a dinner party?
I have not personally tried either, but I would think yes as long as it is a super low setting. Cheeses tend to separate if left on a high setting got too long 🙂
I love a hot and cheesy dip! This looks perfect for a party.
It is funny, I buy those tomatoes all of the time, but I had no idea they were grown in a greenhouse sustainably. I love that.