Description
This Caprese Dip Appetizer offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, combining fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a creamy blend of cheeses with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing starter served with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water and slice them carefully in half to ensure even pieces for the dip.
- Prepare Mozzarella: Halve the fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) so they are the right size to blend well in the dip.
- Chop Basil: Use the chiffonade technique to finely slice the fresh basil leaves, creating thin ribbons for optimal flavor distribution.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the balsamic glaze, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well blended to create the flavorful seasoning component.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. If it’s not soft enough, microwave it for 15-20 seconds to achieve a creamy consistency for easier mixing.
- Add Creamy Bases: Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the softened cream cheese in the bowl to provide richness and smooth texture.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes into the mixture to enhance flavor complexity.
- Blend the Mixture: Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even texture throughout.
- Fold in Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella halves, and chopped basil leaves using a spatula to preserve their shape and freshness within the dip.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed for the desired balance of flavors.
- Transfer to Serving Dish: Spoon the finished dip carefully into a serving dish, spreading it evenly and making it visually appealing.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the prepared balsamic glaze mixture over the top of the dip to add a tangy and slightly sweet finish.
- Garnish: Decorate the dip with additional fresh basil leaves on top for an aromatic and colorful presentation.
- Serve: Serve the Caprese Dip immediately with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For softer cream cheese, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using or microwave briefly as instructed.
- Use fresh high-quality mozzarella and basil for the best authentic taste.
- The balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity; if unavailable, you can reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar to create a similar glaze.
- Optional red pepper flakes provide a slight spicy kick, which can be omitted for a milder dip.
- This dip is best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Bring the dip to room temperature before serving if refrigerated, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Caprese dip, Italian appetizer, cream cheese dip, mozzarella dip, balsamic glaze dip, party appetizer, vegetarian dip
