This post is sponsored by NatureSweet™, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Hot Caprese Dip is an excellent option to traditional caprese salad. All you need are a handful of ingredients including delicious NatureSweet™ tomatoes.
Hot Caprese Dip is a party appetizer favorite using mozzarella, pesto and sweet tomatoes. An easy appetizer your guests will love!
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.
It is no wonder I’ve since created bite-sized Caprese salad and a Caprese burger and now… Hot Caprese Dip. Using the same key elements with the star of the show, NatureSweet™ tomatoes!
Chances are you’ve seen NatureSweet™ tomatoes in the store already; check out this familiar packaging. But what you may not know is that these little balls of deliciousness are “tomatoes raised right.”
Starting from the seed and raised in sustainable greenhouses, resulting in consistently sweet and juicy tomatoes perfect for snacking, salads, chutney and jam and of course, a Hot Caprese Dip.
Most Hot Caprese Dips take the main ingredients and just heat them, resulting in a queso fundido style dip. While I love thick and stringy cheese, it needs to be eaten nearly immediately before it takes on a funky texture.
I wanted to create a dip that would be perfect for entertaining and stay delicious for hours.
The trick was to add monterey jack and sour cream. Instead of basil, I used pesto, allowing your guests to get a taste of garlic and basil in every bite. I used the NatureSweet™ Constellation™ pack, which combines all of the award-winning, flavorful tomatoes.
When heated, they release moisture that aids in making a dippable cheese sauce.
Hot Caprese Dip can be assemble in advance and heated the day of your party. Since I made a triple batch for a party of only 8 people, I had some leftovers, which I served over pasta the next day for a delicious meal.
Tools for making Hot Caprese Dip:
Wood cutting board – wood won’t dull your knives like plastic and if treated properly, has natural antimicrobial properties.
Good knife – Global is my favorite! They are worth the price, I promise. I am kind of obsessed with them and store them tucked away so no one else can use them. Including hubby. Hands off my good stuff!
Casserole Dish
– another kitchen essential! Here is a fabulous variety pack so you always have the right size!
Check out these other recipes that use tomatoes!
- Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls
- Pesto Pasta Bake
- Warm Tomato and Shallot Mozzarella Cheese
- Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta
- Winter Tomato Salad
Chicken Caprese Recipe
Ranch Pasta Salad
Caprese Quesadillas
Caprese Skewer Recipe
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!
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.