Fresh Caprese Dip: Easy Appetizer Recipe (Print Version)

Caprese Dip - easy appetizer recipe for gatherings. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil blend for a vibrant, simple crowd-pleaser.

# 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

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), roughly chopped
03 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

→ Seasonings & Finishing Touches

06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those cherry tomatoes halved. Honestly, I just grab a big handful, line them up on my cutting board, and slice through them all at once. It’s a little trick I picked up to save time. Then, roughly chop your fresh mozzarella balls. I’m not aiming for perfect cubes here; a rustic chop is totally fine. I love seeing the different shapes in the final Caprese Dip, gives it character, you know?
02 - Now for the star: the basil. Stack those beautiful green leaves, roll them up like a cigar, and slice them into thin ribbons (this is called a chiffonade, fancy, right?). I always take a moment to just breathe in that incredible aroma. It's truly one of my favorite kitchen smells. Don't worry if it's not perfect; we're going for flavor, not a culinary school diploma! Just remember to keep it fresh for the best Caprese Dip.
03 - Peel and mince that single clove of garlic. I use a microplane for this because it gets it super fine, which means no big chunks of raw garlic surprising anyone. That's an 'oops' moment I’ve definitely had before! We just want a hint of it in our Caprese Dip, not a full garlic assault.
04 - Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your halved tomatoes, chopped mozzarella, and that gorgeous basil. Add the minced garlic. Now, drizzle generously with your good quality extra virgin olive oil. This is where the magic starts to happen, honestly. I always eyeball it, probably more than I should, but hey, it works for this Caprese Dip!
05 - Time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and a good grind of fresh black pepper. I usually start with a little, then mix and taste. Don't be shy about tasting as you go; it's the only way to make sure it's just right for your palate. Sometimes I add a touch more salt, sometimes more pepper, depends on my mood, honestly! This is your Caprese Dip, make it sing.
06 - Give everything a good, gentle toss to combine. You want all those flavors to get acquainted. If you're using balsamic glaze, drizzle it over the top right before serving. It looks so pretty and adds that extra zing! I love seeing the vibrant colors come together – it just screams 'eat me!' Serve your Caprese Dip with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh mozzarella, not the pre-shredded kind. It makes a huge difference in texture.
02 - Don't skip the fresh basil; dried just won't give you that bright, aromatic Caprese Dip flavor.
03 - Taste and adjust your seasoning! A little more salt or pepper can really make this dip pop.
04 - Let the Caprese Dip sit for at least 15-20 minutes before serving; the flavors really deepen.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Cutting board
02 - sharp knife
03 - mixing bowl
04 - microplane (optional)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 7g

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