I’m a HUGE basil pesto fan. This heavily mixture is good on just about everything! I like to spread it on a sandwich, mix it with hummus, use it as a cracker spread, a chicken marinade, veggie dip and pasta sauce. BUT, my all time favorite way to enjoy it is baked with cream cheese and tomatoes.
You can, of course, make your own basil pesto quite easily (my favorite recipe here), but there are also a few store-bought brands that are really tasty. I like the Giovanni Rana brand. You can usually find it in the refrigerator section by the hummus and refrigerated pastas. Don’t buy any of the jarred brands in the pasta isle that aren’t refrigerated– they’re just not the same!
Are here you have it…
The BEST Warm And Cheesy Caprese Dip Recipe
It’s so quick and easy to make, it will be your new go-to party dip! Everyone loves this recipe. The last time I made it, I caught my husband licking his plate and scraping the pie dish with his finger to get the last little bit.
You will only need a block of cream cheese, about 1/2 cup of basil pesto, and several cherry tomatoes. So simple!
Spread the cream cheese onto the bottom of a pie dish.
Top it with a thin layer of basil pesto. You really don’t need much! This stuff is very flavorful. I don’t really measure because I just slop it on there, but I would say I use about 1/2 a cup.
Cut your cherry tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices and spread them evenly on top of the pesto.
Place in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until you can see the cream cheese start to brown on the edges.
That’s it! Now you’ve got yourself the easiest 3 ingredient appetizer you will ever make. If you are serving a large crowd, you could easily double the recipe. My pie dish looks like it could fit at least two blocks of cream cheese, maybe even more.
Serve this easy dip with pita chips, sourdough bread pieces, or crackers for quick party food everyone will love!
Quick & Easy Warm Caprese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 10-12 large cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese onto the bottom of a pie dish or any shallow baking dish equivalent in size.
- Top with about 1/2 cup of basil pesto and spread it evenly over the cream cheese with a spoon or spatula.
- Cut your cherry tomatoes into slices and place them evenly on top of the pesto.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream cheese starts to brown on the edges.
- Serve with pita chips, crackers, or bread pieces!
Notes
- Place any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy warm or cold!
- I like the Giovanni Rana basil pesto or Kirkland brand from Costco, but you can also easily make your own pesto with this recipe if you're feeling fancy.
- If you like this combination of ingredients, you're going to love this Chopped Caprese Toast!
- Looking for more party dip recipes? This Chili Cheese Dip is very similar only it's made with a can of chili and cheddar instead of pesto.
Don’t forget to pin and save this easy appetizer for later! 🙂
