Description
This Easy Hot Caprese Dip is a quick and delicious appetizer featuring creamy sour cream, melted mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, fresh basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for parties or casual snacking, served warm with crostini, pita, or chips.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 1 cup light sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 cups)
Herbs & Vegetables
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves or ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to reach the desired temperature while you prepare the dip mixture.
- Mix Dip Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the light sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning thoroughly. If using basil pesto instead of fresh basil, add it now. Then fold in the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses along with either the chopped fresh basil or incorporate the pesto with the sour cream mixture to evenly distribute flavors.
- Assemble in Skillet: Spread the cheese and sour cream mixture evenly into a 10-inch oven-proof cast iron skillet. Top the mixture with the halved cherry tomatoes, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the Dip: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and edges start to brown slightly, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, serve the hot Caprese dip immediately with your choice of crostini, pita bread, or chips to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- Garnishing: Reserve some halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fresh basil leaves to sprinkle on top after baking for added color and flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a flavorful spicy kick.
- Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses for optimal melting and texture; pre-shredded cheese may contain additives that reduce melting quality.
- Tomatoes: If your cherry tomatoes are particularly juicy, lightly blot them with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dip’s texture.
- Serving Suggestion: This dip is best served hot and fresh right from the oven while the cheese is gooey and melted for the best eating experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
