Easy Hot Caprese Dip in Minutes

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Hot Caprese Dip is an easy party appetizer filled with the Mediterranean flavors we love! It’s zippy, cheesy, and oh-so-simple with a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes in the oven! It’s party time!

At every gathering we host, from Super Bowl parties or game day watching to backyard BBQs, everyone seems to gravitate to the dips, spreads, sauces, and finger foods.

The cheese lovers — you know who you are— will park in front of the cheeseboard or cheesy dips and will happily mingle from there.

Because, after all, who doesn’t love cheesy dips?! Not one single person in my family.

So this caprese dip is for you, cheese lovers, who also love fresh basil, mozzarella, a hint of spicy mustard, and roasted tomatoes. Are you ready to make this simple hot dip recipe?

Hot Caprese Dip Ingredients

• Sour Cream: For this dip, you can use a full fat sour cream or to keep it a bit leaner, a light sour cream will work equally well.
• Shredded Cheese Cheese: For the BEST flavor, we’re using a combination of shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese. If you prefer, you can use all Mozzarella (and by the way, I prefer a thicker shred like Tillamook’s Farmstyle because I think it melts better).
• Fresh Basil: This provides the absolute best flavor, but in a pinch, if you can’t find fresh basil, you can substitute a basil pesto instead. But I absolutely love using fresh when possible. Save some for garnishing the top of the dip!
• Dry Spices: This dip is all about delicious flavor and these simple dried spices are incredibly delicious in this easy dip recipe: garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a bit of this savory ingredient makes this dip extra special.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Because a caprese salad or dip isn’t the same without sweet tomatoes. Grape tomatoes also work.
• Dippers: Pita chips, crackers, crostini, or fresh baguette rounds are perfect for dipping!

How To Make This Dip

All you need to make this easy dip is a shallow 8-inch baking dish or, as I’ve done, a 10-inch cast iron skillet (affiliate link). Then, preheat the oven to 425℉.

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. If using pesto instead of fresh basil, add it with the sour cream.

Finally, stir in the shredded cheese and fresh basil until combined. Spread into a 10-inch oven-proof skillet or square baking dish, and top with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 2: Bake for 15 minutes

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. 

How to Serve Hot Caprese Dip

I like to serve this hot dip almost immediately. But be sure to give it a couple of minutes to cool as it will be hot! Then, garnish the top with additional fresh basil, more halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions for more fresh greens and texture.

I love to serve this dip with pita chips, but toasted baguettes or crostini is delicious, too!

More Delicious Dip Recipes

• 5 Minute Refried Bean Dip
• Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip
• Black Eyed Peas Dip
• 2 Minute Greek Dill Yogurt Sauce
• Homemade Salsa with Pantry Ingredients