Description
This Caprese Dip Appetizer offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, transforming fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a creamy blend of cheeses into a luscious, crowd-pleasing dip perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Wet Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Serving Options
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes under cold water and slice them in half to release their fresh flavor and make them easy to dip.
- Prepare Mozzarella: Halve the fresh mozzarella balls to match the tomato size and ensure every bite of dip has creamy cheese.
- Chop Basil: Use the chiffonade technique to finely chop the fresh basil leaves, enhancing the dip’s aroma and appearance.
- Mix Balsamic Glaze and Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine balsamic glaze, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a tangy and flavorful drizzle topping.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl, microwaving for 15-20 seconds if necessary to ensure it is easy to blend.
- Add Dairy Bases: Stir in sour cream and mayonnaise with the cream cheese to build a smooth and creamy dip base.
- Add Cheese and Spices: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, mixing to evenly distribute flavors.
- Blend Mixture: Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy, providing a luxurious texture.
- Fold in Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil with a spatula to retain their shape and freshness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip and add additional salt or pepper if needed to balance flavors perfectly.
- Transfer to Serving Dish: Spoon the dip into a serving dish, creating an inviting presentation.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Pour the prepared balsamic glaze mixture over the top, adding a beautiful shine and tangy accent.
- Garnish: Decorate with fresh basil leaves to enhance the color and aroma.
- Serve: Present the dip with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks to enjoy as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the dip for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld.
- The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat if you like a mild kick.
- You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for authentic Italian flavors.
- Adjust balsamic glaze quantity to taste or use regular balsamic vinegar for a less sweet alternative.
