Baked Caprese Dip, also known as Warm Pesto Cheese Dip and Creamy Pesto Dip, is made with cream cheese, basil pesto, and cherry tomatoes. It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion!
Baked Caprese Dip (3 Ingredients)
This super-easy-to-make dip gets devoured. Serve with a fresh baguette, pita chips, or crackers for a truly unforgettable appetizer. You may want to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction or balsamic glaze for a fantastic, sweet and tangy addition.
Quick & Easy Warm Caprese Dip Recipe
Warm Caprese Dip is an irresistible appetizer that’s incredibly easy to make. Made with just three ingredients – cream cheese, basil pesto and cherry tomatoes – this dip is a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress. A quick 5-minute prep followed by a 20-minute bake creates a bubbly, delicious dip that’s perfect for any gathering. Serve with fresh a baguette, pita chips, or crackers for a truly unforgettable appetizer. This is a fantastic last-minute recipe that’s sure to be a hit.
Original Post Date, April 8, 2015. Post Updated, September 13, 2024
Almost a decade ago, my best friend, Sandi, came for a visit during spring break. During her trip, she whipped up this incredible warm Pesto Cheese Dip. It was a flavor explosion, so simple to make, and the perfect way to enjoy our time together without being busy in the kitchen. I’m so glad she introduced me to this fantastic Caprese Dip, it’s been a go-to favorite ever since.
Ingredients For Baked Caprese Dip Recipe
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese – both regular or reduced fat at room temperature, works perfectly in this Easy Caprese Dip
- Small Jar of Basil Pesto (store bought or homemade, you need about 1/2 cup)
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, sliced in thirds – enough to top with a single layer
How To Make This Easy Crowd-Favorite Appetizer
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In an 8-inch pie plate or your favorite baking dish that is comparable, spread cream cheese evenly.
Next, spread a thin layer of your favorite basil pesto on the softened cream cheese. Pesto is what makes this Caprese Dip so good. Feel free to add more.
Last, top the pesto with a single layer of sliced tomatoes.
Bake on the middle rack of the oven uncovered for approximately 20–25 minutes, until it begins to bubble or the cheese at the edge of the baking dish begins to turn a light golden brown.
Remove and serve warm with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or a baguette. The perfect appetizer for holidays, parties, game day, and more!
Optional but highly recommended: Drizzle with a balsamic glaze right before serving to add a delicious tangy-sweet finish that perfectly complements the roasted tomatoes, cream cheese, and pesto.
Want More Easy Appetizers Like This One?
Baked Caprese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese – regular or reduced fat at room temperature
- ½ cup basil pesto small Jar of Pesto (store bought or homemade)
- grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in thirds, enough to top with a single layer
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.
- In an 8-inch pie plate or your favorite baking dish that is comparable, spread cream cheese evenly.
- Spread a thin layer of pesto over the cream cheese.
- Top with a single layer of tomatoes.
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven uncovered for approximately 20–25 minutes, until it begins to bubble or the cheese at the edge of the baking dish begins to turn a light golden brown.
- Remove and serve warm with your favorite crackers, pita chips or baguette. Enjoy!
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