Easy Caprese Dip Recipe: Fresh, Creamy, & Quick Appetizer (Print Version)

Easy Caprese Dip Recipe for a quick, fresh appetizer. Layers of creamy cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil make this a crowd-pleaser.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Creamy Base

01 - Ricotta Cheese (whole milk, 15 oz)
02 - Garlic (2 cloves, freshly minced)

→ Fresh & Vibrant Toppings

03 - Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (1 pint, halved)
04 - Fresh Mozzarella (8 oz pearls or small balls)
05 - Fresh Basil Leaves (1/2 cup, chopped or torn)

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tbsp, plus more for drizzling)
07 - Balsamic Glaze (2-3 tbsp, for drizzling)
08 - Sea Salt (1/2 tsp, or to taste)
09 - Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp, or to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those vibrant ingredients ready for this <span class="keyphrase">Easy Caprese Dip Recipe</span>! Grab your cherry tomatoes and slice them in half, or quarters if they're a bit bigger. Then, take your fresh basil leaves and give them a rough chop or, if you're like me and love that rustic look, just tear them into smaller pieces. Mince that garlic finely; you want its flavor to spread evenly, not hit you like a truck in one bite. I always find myself smelling the basil as I chop, it just fills the kitchen with such a fresh scent!
02 - Now for the luscious foundation of our dip! In a medium bowl, combine your whole milk ricotta cheese, minced garlic, a good drizzle of olive oil, and a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix it gently until everything is just combined and looks smooth and creamy. Don't go crazy with the mixer here; we're not making whipped cream. I once overmixed it, and it got a bit watery, which was a total bummer. Just a few stirs will do the trick!
03 - This is where the magic happens for your <span class="keyphrase">Easy Caprese Dip Recipe</span>. Grab a shallow serving dish – something with a bit of a lip so things don't go spilling everywhere. Spread your creamy ricotta base evenly across the bottom. Next, artfully scatter those halved cherry tomatoes over the ricotta. Follow that with your fresh mozzarella pearls, making sure they're distributed nicely. It should look like a little garden of deliciousness!
04 - Time for the final touches! Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil generously over the tomatoes and mozzarella. The vibrant green really pops against the red and white, doesn't it? Then, grab your balsamic glaze and drizzle it liberally over the entire dip. I love watching the dark glaze swirl against the lighter colors. Don't be shy here; that tangy sweetness is a game-changer. I sometimes get a little too enthusiastic with the drizzle and end up with sticky fingers, oops!
05 - While this <span class="keyphrase">Easy Caprese Dip Recipe</span> is good immediately, it's honestly so much better if you let it chill in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes. This gives all those amazing flavors a chance to mingle and become best friends. I know it's hard to wait, especially when it smells so good, but trust me, it's worth it! This is where I always forget to cover it, then find it smelling like the fridge, haha. A little cling film works wonders!
06 - When you're ready, pull your beautiful Caprese dip out of the fridge. Give it a final flourish with an extra basil leaf or a tiny drizzle of olive oil if you're feeling fancy. Serve it with crusty bread, pita chips, crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks. It looks so inviting and smells like pure Italian summer. The best part is watching everyone dig in and hearing those "mmmms"!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
02 - Chilling the dip for at least 20 minutes really makes the flavors sing.
03 - If you don't have balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar yourself.
04 - Don't overmix the ricotta, or it might get watery.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Mixing bowl
02 - shallow serving dish
03 - cutting board
04 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 10g

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