Description
This Caprese Dip Appetizer offers a delicious, creamy twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, it’s perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Ideal for parties or casual gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
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
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Creamy Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Servings
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes under cold water and slice them in half to ensure freshness and ease of eating.
- Prepare Mozzarella: Halve the fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) to balance size with the tomatoes and dip.
- Chop Basil: Use the chiffonade technique to finely slice the fresh basil leaves, releasing their aroma and flavor for the dip.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the balsamic glaze, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create the seasoning mixture for the dip.
- Soften Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese. If it’s not soft enough, microwave it for 15-20 seconds until easy to blend.
- Add Dairy Bases: Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the cream cheese, creating the creamy foundation of the dip.
- Season Dip: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, adding depth of flavor and a subtle kick.
- Blend Mixture: Use a hand mixer or whisk to thoroughly blend all ingredients until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and homogeneous.
- Fold in Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil into the creamy mixture with a spatula to maintain texture and freshness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed for perfect flavor balance.
- Transfer to Serving Dish: Spoon the dip into a suitable serving bowl or dish, preparing it for presentation.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the prepared balsamic glaze over the top of the dip for a tangy and sweet finish.
- Garnish: Decorate with additional fresh basil leaves to enhance visual appeal and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the dip immediately with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for a tasty appetizer experience.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ingredients and ensure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing.
- Add red pepper flakes cautiously to control the heat level in the dip.
- Prepare the dip shortly before serving to maintain freshness of the tomatoes and basil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Allow the dip to come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated, so flavors are fully expressed.
