BEST EVER CAPRESE DIP

Craving the flavors of summer? Imagine scooping up a spoonful of creamy, cheesy goodness bursting with the sweet tang of tomatoes and the herbaceous aroma of fresh basil, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze – that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Caprese Dip. This appetizer is so simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser; I promise you’ll be the star of your next gathering!

Ingredients

For the Dip:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Caprese Topping:

• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved or quartered depending on size
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the Balsamic Glaze:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Serving Suggestions:

• Baguette slices, toasted or plain
• Crackers
• Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)

Let’s Get Dipping: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, friend, let’s get this Caprese Dip party started! Don’t worry, it’s easier than making toast (almost!). I’ll walk you through each step, and we’ll troubleshoot any potential hiccups along the way. Get ready for some serious deliciousness!

Step 1: The Creamy Base

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix, just until everything is well combined.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! So, start with a little and adjust as needed.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your cream cheese is still a little cold and lumpy, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds (seriously!) to soften it up. Just be careful not to melt it!

Step 2: The Caprese Magic

1. In a separate bowl, gently combine the halved grape or cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil.
2. Give it a light toss to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Pro-Tip: Use good quality mozzarella! It really makes a difference. Fresh mozzarella packed in water is the way to go. Drain it well before using.

Step 3: Building the Dip

1. Spread the creamy base evenly in a serving dish. A shallow bowl or platter works best.
2. Carefully spoon the Caprese mixture over the cream cheese base. Try to distribute the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Balsamic Bliss

1. Make the balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the balsamic vinegar has reduced and thickened into a syrupy consistency. Keep a close eye on it – it can burn easily!
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the Caprese dip. Don’t be shy! Those beautiful swirls of balsamic add so much flavor and visual appeal.

Quick Balsamic Glaze Hack: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought balsamic glaze. But honestly, making your own is so easy and tastes SO much better!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the cream cheese firm up a bit.
2. Before serving, remove the dip from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will enhance the flavors.
3. Serve with your favorite dippers, such as baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

Tips & Tricks for the BEST Caprese Dip

Okay, now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some insider secrets that will take your Caprese Dip from good to AMAZING.

• The Secret’s in the Cheese: Don’t skimp on the mozzarella! Fresh mozzarella is key. Also, using a combination of Parmesan in the base and fresh mozzarella on top creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Tomato Talk: While grape or cherry tomatoes are convenient, you can also use other types of tomatoes. Roma tomatoes, diced into small pieces, work well. Just make sure to remove the seeds and excess liquid.
• Basil Bonanza: Fresh basil is a MUST. Dried basil just won’t cut it. If you’re feeling fancy, chiffonade the basil (stack the leaves, roll them up tightly, and slice thinly) for a more elegant presentation.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Caprese mixture.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the Caprese Dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the balsamic glaze until just before serving to prevent it from soaking into the dip.
• Presentation Power: Garnish with a few extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful finishing touch.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Feeling adventurous? Let’s explore some fun and creative variations of this classic Caprese Dip!

• Pesto Power: Add a tablespoon or two of pesto to the cream cheese base for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Surprise: Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and chewy element.
• Avocado Adventure: Add diced avocado to the Caprese mixture for a creamy and healthy twist.
• Roasted Red Pepper Remix: Incorporate roasted red peppers into the mix for a smoky and sweet flavor.
• Spicy Italian: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the cream cheese base for a zesty kick.

What to Serve with Your Incredible Dip

Choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your Caprese Dip experience to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Bread is Best: Toasted baguette slices are a classic choice. You can also use crostini, pita bread, or even focaccia.
• Crackers are Cool: Choose sturdy crackers that can hold up to the creamy dip. Water crackers, sesame crackers, or even flavored crackers work well.
• Veggie Variety: Offer a selection of fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
• Grilled Goodness: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus, add a smoky flavor that complements the Caprese Dip beautifully.
• Chips Ahoy: Tortilla chips or pita chips are a fun and unexpected option.

Caprese Craving? Other Recipes to Try!

If you’re loving the Caprese flavors, why not explore some other delicious recipes that feature the same winning combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil?

• Indulge in a comforting Caprese Pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
• For a refreshing summer treat, try this vibrant Cucumber Caprese Salad.

If you’re craving something refreshing with a similar flavor profile, consider making Watermelon Salsa, Watermelon Cucumber Salad, or Watermelon Feta Salad. A zesty Watermelon Salsa is always a hit!

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but just in case!). Here’s how to store your Caprese Dip to keep it fresh and delicious:

• In the Refrigerator: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Before Serving: Let the dip sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
• Not Recommended for Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cream cheese and mozzarella.

Get Ready to Impress!

And there you have it! Your very own, ridiculously delicious Caprese Dip. I know you’re going to absolutely nail this recipe. It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion, and I guarantee it will be a hit with your family and friends. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create some Caprese magic!

Lady Maria

Best Ever Caprese Dip

This Caprese Dip captures the essence of summer in a creamy, cheesy appetizer. Bursting with the flavors of tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties or a simple summer snack!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls bocconcini or ciliegine
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional
• Baguette slices, toasted or plain, for serving
• Crackers, for serving
• Vegetable sticks, for serving

Equipment

• Large bowl
• small bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Serving dish (shallow bowl or platter)
• Small saucepan
• whisk
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a separate bowl, gently combine the halved grape or cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil.
4. Spread the creamy base evenly in a serving dish.
5. Carefully spoon the Caprese mixture over the cream cheese base, distributing evenly.
6. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using).
7. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until reduced and thickened into a syrupy consistency.
8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the Caprese dip.
10. Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
11. Before serving, let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Serve with baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

For a kick, add red pepper flakes to the Caprese mixture. You can assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add the glaze. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended. Variations include adding pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, or roasted red peppers. Use good quality fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.