Easy Hot Caprese Dip Recipe
Welcome to the delicious world of Hot Caprese Dip! This savory dip is a combination of classic Italian flavors and creamy melted cheese, perfect for snacking or even as an appetizer at your next party. The dish is quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Italian cuisine is known for its simple ingredients and bold, fresh flavors, and that’s exactly what inspired this Hot Caprese Dip. It takes the classic elements of a traditional Caprese salad and transforms them into a warm, shareable appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or casual entertaining.
If you’re not familiar with Caprese salad, it’s a straightforward combination of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil — ingredients that come together beautifully and even reflect the colors of the Italian flag. This dip keeps those familiar flavors intact while adding a melty, comforting twist that may remind you a bit of pizza.
Ingredients
For this Italian-inspired dip, you need the following ingredients:
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with basil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, separated
- fresh basil leaves
How To Make Caprese Dip
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Drain a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes that are seasoned with basil. If it contains garlic and oregano, that is fine. Please ensure the tomatoes are drained thoroughly.
- Combine a softened block of cream cheese with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Fold in the tomatoes and spoon the mixture into a small pan. (I used a little cast-iron skillet.)
- Top it all off with an additional cup of mozzarella cheese and bake at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes. To get the top golden, broil the cheesy dip for another couple of minutes. Please monitor it so it does not burn.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil that has been torn into pieces.
If you love the flavors in this Hot Caprese Dip, there are plenty more Italian-inspired recipes to explore on Southern Kissed. Start with my Easy Italian Antipasto Salad for a bold, colorful addition to any meal, or keep things fresh with the Italian Chopped Salad, which pairs beautifully with warm, cheesy dishes. To bring even more flavor into your kitchen, try my Homemade Italian Seasoning – it’s great for everything from veggies to pasta. And when you’re craving serious comfort food, the Cheesy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a hearty pasta dinner that doesn’t disappoints.
Hot Caprese Dip with Gluten-Free Nut Thins
Ingredients
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with basil
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese separated
- fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Drain tomatoes.
- Combine softened cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella. Fold in tomatoes.
- Pour into small oven-proof dish or small cast iron skillet that has been prepared with non-stick spray.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until top becomes light golden brown.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips
The dip is rich and creamy, and it would be great on some thinly sliced rounds of Italian or French bread.
If you don’t want a thick layer of cheese, then mix the entire 2 cups of mozzarella in with the cream cheese before spooning it into your dish.
Last Bite
This Hot Caprese Dip is great for game days, get-togethers, or whenever you need a snack that feels a little special. Please leave a comment below and let me know how you served it – and what you paired it with.
Oh, yummmmmmmm! This looks super-easy to make. Perfect for carrying to church lunch.
Looks delicious!
It was. I couldn’t stop eating it!