Description
This Caprese Dip appetizer combines fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze to create a vibrant, easy-to-make dip perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack. Marinated to meld flavors, it’s served with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Dressings and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction)
- 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
Serving
- 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.
- Add the Mozzarella: Drain the mozzarella balls from their liquid. If using larger bocconcini, halve or quarter them for even-sized pieces. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Infuse with Garlic and Herbs: Mince the garlic finely. Add it to the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Chop the fresh basil leaves and add them along with dried oregano and optional red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
- Dress with Olive Oil and Vinegar: Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, followed by the red wine vinegar, which adds a subtle tanginess.
- Season Generously: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Gently Combine: Using a spoon or spatula, fold the ingredients together carefully to avoid crushing the tomatoes or mozzarella.
- Marinate for Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1 to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Your Serving Dish: Select a shallow serving dish or bowl suitable for presenting your Caprese dip.
- Transfer the Dip: Remove from the refrigerator, give a gentle stir, and transfer the dip to the serving dish.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Evenly drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top, adding a sweet tang and beautiful finish.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves to enhance color and aroma.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Serve immediately with crusty bread, baguette slices, or crackers for dipping.
- Enjoy! Share and enjoy this fresh, flavorful Caprese Dip with friends and family.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the dip to marinate for 1-2 hours before serving.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls like bocconcini for the best creamy texture.
- The balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar until syrupy or store-bought for convenience.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat to the dish.
- This dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
