Easy Caprese Dip Appetizer: Fresh & Flavorful (Print Version)
Whip up an Easy Caprese Dip Appetizer with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This simple, flavorful dip is perfect for any gathering, honestly!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (with GF dippers)
# Ingredients:
→ Fresh & Flavorful Base
01 -
2 cups (about 1 pint) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
02 -
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained and halved
03 -
½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
→ Essential Flavor Boosters
04 -
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
05 -
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
06 -
½ tsp garlic powder
→ Seasonings & Optional Extras
07 -
½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
08 -
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
09 -
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get those tomatoes and mozzarella ready. I usually grab a big cutting board, you know, the one that’s seen a million meals. Halve or quarter your cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. I like mine a bit chunky for texture. Then, drain your bocconcini and cut them into similar-sized pieces. I often just eyeball it, no need for perfection here! You want a good mix of everything in each bite, honestly.
02 -
Next up, the basil! This step always makes my kitchen smell amazing. Stack those beautiful fresh basil leaves, roll them up like a cigar, and then thinly slice them into ribbons. This is called a chiffonade, and it looks so pretty. Don't worry if it's not absolutely perfect; a little rustic charm is what we're going for. I’ve definitely had moments where my basil looked more like confetti, but it still tasted great!
03 -
Now for the fun part – mixing! In a medium bowl, combine your chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This is where the magic starts to happen, you can almost feel the flavors mingling. Drizzle generously with your good extra virgin olive oil. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a gentle stir; you don’t want to mash everything, just combine it all. This Easy Caprese Dip is coming together!
04 -
Here’s where you add that signature sweet and tangy element. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the mixture. Remember my earlier oops moment? Start with a light hand, then add more if you like. You want streaks of that dark, glossy goodness, not a drowned dip. I usually do a zigzag pattern over the top, then give it another very gentle stir to distribute some, but not all, of the glaze. It adds such a vibrant pop!
05 -
This step is crucial, honestly! Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives all those amazing flavors time to get to know each other. The tomatoes release a bit of juice, the mozzarella absorbs some of the oil and seasoning, and the basil truly blooms. I've rushed this once or twice, and while it's still good, that little chill time really elevates this Easy Caprese Dip. Trust me on this one!
06 -
When you're ready to serve, give it one last gentle stir. If you're feeling fancy, you can garnish with a few extra fresh basil leaves or a final drizzle of balsamic glaze. This Easy Caprese Dip should look vibrant, fresh, and utterly inviting. Grab some crusty bread, pita chips, or even sturdy crackers, and get ready to scoop! It's truly a delight.
# Notes:
01 -
A little secret: let those tomatoes sit with salt for a bit; it really brings out their sweetness!
02 -
You can chop everything ahead of time, but mix it just before serving for the freshest taste.
03 -
No fresh mozzarella? Feta crumbles work in a pinch for a different vibe, I tried it once!
04 -
Serve this with crusty bread or pita chips, trust me, you'll want to scoop every bit.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Cutting board
02 -
sharp knife
03 -
medium mixing bowl
04 -
serving spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 12-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 8-10g
Protein: 5-7g