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Creamy Italian Baked Caprese Dip

creamy italian baked caprese dip - featured image
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A quick and easy 5-ingredient appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and cream cheese baked to creamy perfection with a golden olive oil finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the fresh basil leaves.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and half of the fresh basil. Fold together until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the torn mozzarella and halved tomatoes. Gently fold to combine without breaking up the tomatoes.
  5. Season with a pinch of black pepper and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Drizzle the top with extra virgin olive oil.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn light golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the remaining fresh basil.
  10. Let the dip cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not over-mix to keep tomatoes juicy and avoid watery dip. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Add half the basil before baking and the rest after for best flavor and color. Watch baking time closely to avoid drying out. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, adding a few extra minutes to bake time.

Nutrition

Keywords: caprese dip, baked dip, Italian appetizer, mozzarella dip, easy appetizer, party dip, creamy dip

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-italian-baked-caprese-dip-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-appetizer/