The Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip is a delightful twist on the classic Italian salad everyone loves. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh basil and juicy tomatoes, this dip brings all those vibrant flavors together in a warm, comforting dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy snack, this dip offers the perfect harmony of tangy sour cream, fragrant herbs, and melty mozzarella that will have everyone reaching for more.

Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while packing loads of fresh flavor and creamy texture. Each ingredient works in harmony to create that irresistible taste and colorful presentation that makes Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip so special.

Light sour cream: adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.
Mustard powder: provides a subtle depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Garlic powder: brings aromatic warmth to the dip.
Dried thyme: introduces an earthy, herbal note.
Herbes de Provence: offers a fragrant blend of Mediterranean herbs for that authentic touch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz.): delivers gooey meltiness and mild creaminess.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 oz.): adds buttery, melty texture.
Chopped fresh basil leaves (1 cup): infuses the dip with fresh, aromatic brightness.
Diced tomatoes (1 cup): bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color on top.
Extra basil leaves: for garnish and added freshness.
French bread baguettes: sliced and toasted to scoop up every cheesy bite.

How to Make Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s ready to give your dip the perfect bake for melty, bubbling goodness.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, stir together the light sour cream, mustard powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and herbes de Provence. This flavorful blend forms the smooth and herbaceous foundation of your dip.

Step 3: Combine the Cheeses and Basil

Add the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses along with a cup of freshly chopped basil. The cheeses will melt into a luscious, creamy mixture while the basil offers fresh bursts of flavor with every bite.

Step 4: Spread the Dip and Top with Tomatoes

Spread this flavorful mixture evenly into a small baking pan or pie dish. Scatter the diced tomatoes over the top, adding juicy pops of sweetness and that classic Caprese look.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake the dip for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and starts bubbling with golden edges. This ensures every mouthful has that irresistible cheesy pull.

Step 6: Prepare the Bread

While the dip is baking, slice your French baguettes and lay them on a baking dish. Lightly drizzle or spray the bread with olive oil to get perfectly crisp and golden toasts.

Step 7: Toast the Bread

Place the bread in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until toasted through and lightly crisp.

Step 8: Broil for Extra Crisp and Color

Once the dip is melted and bubbling, switch the oven to broil. Broil the dip for about 5 minutes to get a beautifully crispy, browned top—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 9: Serve Warm with Toasted Bread

Serve your Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip warm alongside the toasted baguette slices for dipping. This cozy, cheesy treat is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add an inviting pop of green and elevate the aroma. For a little zing, you can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze that complements the sweet tomatoes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this dip with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside crispy roasted vegetables for a well-rounded snack or appetizer experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip in individual ramekins for a charming party presentation. Or scoop it into a hollowed-out sourdough round for a rustic, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that gets eaten up fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy snack to enjoy later.

Freezing

While this dip is best fresh and bubbly, it can be frozen for up to one month if needed. Freeze it in a suitable container, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or oven at 350°F until warmed through and melty again. A quick broil for a minute or two refreshes the top’s crispy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

Fresh mozzarella is delicious but contains more moisture and won’t melt in the same way when shredded. For the best creamy texture and even melting, use shredded mozzarella as the recipe suggests.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip itself is naturally gluten-free, but serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if you need to avoid gluten entirely.

Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese shreds that melt well. Fresh herbs and tomatoes remain the same for vibrant flavor.

How long can I prepare this dip before baking?

You can prepare the mixture and assemble it a few hours ahead, keeping it covered in the fridge. Add tomatoes on top just before baking for the freshest appearance.

What is the best bread to serve with this dip?

A crusty French baguette is ideal for scooping and provides the perfect crunch alongside creamy, melty dip. Rustic sourdough or ciabatta also work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip, it will become your go-to for every gathering or cozy night in. It captures all the fresh, comforting flavors of a classic Caprese salad combined in a luscious, warm dip that everyone adores. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fall in love with this simple yet irresistible recipe!

Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

This Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. Combining light sour cream, a blend of aromatic herbs, shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, fresh basil, and juicy diced tomatoes, this dip is both creamy and flavorful. Baked until bubbly and served with toasted French bread baguette slices, it’s perfect for entertaining or a casual snack.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking, Broiling
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

1 cup light sour cream
½ tsp mustard powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp herbes de Provence

Cheese & Herbs

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 cups)
1 cup basil leaves, chopped

Topping

1 cup diced tomatoes
Extra basil leaves for garnish

Accompaniment

2 French bread baguettes, sliced
Olive oil for drizzling or spraying the bread

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
Mix Dip Base: In a large bowl, combine the light sour cream, mustard powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and herbes de Provence. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.
Add Cheese and Basil: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses along with one cup of chopped fresh basil, mixing until thoroughly incorporated.
Prepare Dip for Baking: Spread the mixture evenly into a small baking pan or pie dish to create a consistent layer.
Add Tomato Topping: Sprinkle the diced tomatoes evenly over the top of the dip mixture, distributing them across the surface.
Bake the Dip: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbly.
Slice Bread: While the dip bakes, slice the French baguettes into pieces suitable for dipping.
Prepare Bread for Toasting: Arrange the bread slices on a baking dish and lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil to enhance crispiness and flavor.
Toast Bread: Place the bread in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the slices are toasted to a golden brown.
Broil Dip for Crispiness: Once the dip is melted and bubbly, switch your oven setting to broil. Broil for about 5 minutes or until the top is extra crispy and golden, ensuring to watch closely to prevent burning.
Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves over the top for added aroma and presentation.
Serve Warm: Serve the hot, bubbly Caprese dip immediately alongside the toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Notes

Use fresh basil for the best aroma and flavor in the dip.
Keep an eye on the dip during broiling to avoid burning.
You can substitute light sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier dip.
For extra flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the dip before serving.
If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dip base mixture.
The toasted baguette slices can be rubbed with a cut garlic clove for additional aroma before adding oil.