Roasted Garlic Caprese Dip: The Party Appetizer Everyone Will Devour (Ready in 35 Minutes!)
Hot, bubbly dip combining roasted garlic, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze. All the flavors of classic caprese salad transformed into an irresistible party appetizer. Perfect for entertaining!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 45 minutes for roasting garlic)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 80-85 minutes (including garlic roasting)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Dip, Party Food
- Method: Baked, Roasted
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 large garlic head
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for garlic)
- 16 oz fresh mozzarella, diced (or 2 cups shredded)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Slice top off garlic head; drizzle with olive oil
- Wrap in foil; roast 40-50 minutes until soft
- Cool and squeeze out roasted cloves; mash
- Reduce oven to 375°F
- Halve tomatoes; drain in colander with pinch of salt 10-15 minutes
- Pat tomatoes dry with paper towels
- Beat cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and roasted garlic until smooth
- Fold in Parmesan, most of mozzarella (reserve 1/2 cup), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper
- Fold in chopped basil (reserve some for garnish)
- Spread mixture in greased 9-inch baking dish
- Arrange tomatoes cut-side up over cream cheese layer
- Top with reserved mozzarella
- Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden
- Optional: broil 2-3 minutes for extra golden top
- Drizzle with balsamic
- Garnish with fresh basil
- Serve hot with bread, crackers, or vegetables
Notes
- Roast garlic up to 3 days ahead
- Assemble dip up to 24 hours ahead; refrigerate and bake when ready
- Draining tomatoes prevents watery dip
- Room temperature cream cheese essential for smooth texture
- Best served hot and fresh