Bring a twist to your classic caprese with this easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and juicy grape tomatoes come together in a bubbly baked dip. Just minutes from oven to table—perfect for game nights, holidays, or anytime you want to impress your guests!

Freshly cooked baked mozzarella with cherry tomatoes, green herbs, and melted cheese in a black skillet, ready to enjoy a delicious hot dip.

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-23 minutes

Ingredients:

6-8 fresh mozzarella slices
1-2 Tbsp of basil pesto
¾-1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
Garnish with torn fresh basil or drizzle with balsamic glaze

mozzarella sliced with a bunch of fresh basil, a jar of basil pesto, and a white colander with multi colored grape tomatoes on brown parchment paper on the counter.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place grape or cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe dish and roast for 5-7 minutes, or until they burst. Remove from the oven and transfer the tomatoes to a separate dish. Set aside.

Step 2: Carefully add the mozzarella and pesto to the hot baking dish. *Caution: The dish is hot!* Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Gently stir the melted cheese and pesto together, then top with the roasted tomatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional minute. Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Serve with crusty bread or crackers, and watch it disappear!

Fresh sliced mozzarella with dollaps of basil pesto on top in a oven safe skillet.

Tips:

Top with roasted red peppers.
I used a small cast-iron skillet for this recipe.
Baking times are approximate.

Warm Caprese Dip

Bring a twist to your classic caprese with this easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tara

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 23

Total Time 28

Servings

Ingredients

6 oz fresh mozzarella slices
1-2 Tbsp of basil pesto
¾-1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
Garnish with torn fresh basil or drizzle with balsamic glaze

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place grape or cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe dish and roast for 5-7 minutes, or until they burst. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and transfer them to a separate dish. Set aside.
Carefully add the mozzarella and pesto to the hot baking dish. *Caution: The dish is hot!* Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Gently stir the melted cheese and pesto together, then top with the roasted tomatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional minute. Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Serve with crusty bread or crackers, and watch it disappear!