Description
This Caprese Dip Appetizer is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fragrant fresh basil, and a zesty garlic and olive oil dressing, all topped with a sweet balsamic glaze, this dip is perfect for any party or casual gathering. Easy to prepare and requiring no cooking, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, baguette slices, or crackers for a delightful and crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, small balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved if large
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Topping & Serving
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction)
- Crusty bread, baguette slices, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes. Halve each tomato and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl to form the base of the dip.
- Add the Mozzarella: Drain the mozzarella balls from their liquid. If using larger bocconcini, halve or quarter them. Add the mozzarella pieces to the bowl with the tomatoes for a creamy texture.
- Infuse with Garlic and Herbs: Mince the garlic cloves finely. Add the minced garlic to the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Chop the fresh basil leaves and add them along with dried oregano and optional red pepper flakes to bring herbal and spicy notes.
- Dress with Olive Oil and Vinegar: Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. Add the red wine vinegar to add acidity and brighten the flavors.
- Season Generously: Season the dip with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary to balance the flavors.
- Gently Combine: Using a spoon or spatula, gently combine all ingredients without mashing the tomatoes or mozzarella, maintaining texture integrity.
- Marinate for Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, 1-2 hours for best results.
- Prepare Your Serving Dish: Select a shallow serving dish or bowl suitable for serving the dip.
- Transfer the Dip: Remove the dip from the refrigerator, give it a gentle stir to redistribute dressing, then transfer it to the prepared serving dish.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the top to add a sweet and tangy finish.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Serve the Caprese dip immediately alongside crusty bread, baguette slices, or crackers for dipping.
- Enjoy! Relish this fresh and delightful Caprese dip as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at any occasion.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the dip to marinate for 1-2 hours before serving.
- You can use balsamic reduction or store-bought balsamic glaze based on availability.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Use fresh mozzarella rather than low-moisture mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- If desired, add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Pair with gluten-free crackers or bread to make it gluten free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
