Give classic caprese a warm, cheesy twist with this easy baked mozzarella dip. Fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and roasted tomatoes come together in an appetizer made for scooping up with crusty bread. It’s simple enough for game night and just as welcome on your holiday snack table.

Baked mozzarella dip with roasted tomatoes and basil in a black skillet.

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 13–18 minutes
Total Time: 18–23 minutes

Ingredients

6–8 slices fresh mozzarella
1–2 tablespoons basil pesto
¾–1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
Torn fresh basil or balsamic glaze, for garnish (optional)
Crusty bread or crackers, for serving

Fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, fresh basil, and grape tomatoes.

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 400°F. Place the halved tomatoes in a small oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Roast for 5–7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their juices. Carefully transfer the tomatoes to a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Using oven mitts to handle the hot dish, add the mozzarella slices and spoon the pesto over the top. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.

Fresh mozzarella slices topped with dollops of basil pesto in a cast-iron skillet.

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

Step 3: Gently stir the pesto into the melted mozzarella. Spoon the roasted tomatoes over the top and return the dish to the oven for 1 additional minute.

Step 4: Garnish with torn fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers while the cheese is warm and easy to scoop.

🍋 Simply Made Suggestions

Try another topping: Add chopped roasted red peppers along with the tomatoes.
Choose a small dish: I used a small cast-iron skillet for this recipe. A small oven-safe baking dish also works.
Drain the mozzarella: If your mozzarella is packed in liquid, drain it and pat it dry before baking.
Watch the cheese: Baking times vary depending on the thickness of the mozzarella and the size of your dish.
Serve right away: Fresh mozzarella firms up as it cools, so enjoy this dip straight from the oven.

Before You Go…

Warm, cheesy appetizers have a way of stealing the show. Find more easy party food recipes to keep everyone happily gathered around the snack table.

Warm Caprese Dip

Fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and roasted tomatoes make this warm, cheesy dip an easy appetizer for any gathering. Serve straight from the oven with crusty bread or crackers.

Tara

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings

Ingredients

6-8 slices fresh mozzarella
1-2 Tbsp basil pesto
¾-1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes halved
Torn fresh basil or balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)
Crusty bread or crackers for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the halved tomatoes in a small oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Roast for 5–7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their juices. Carefully transfer the tomatoes to a separate bowl and set aside.
Using oven mitts to handle the hot dish, add the mozzarella slices and spoon the pesto over the top. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
Gently stir the pesto into the melted mozzarella. Spoon the roasted tomatoes over the top and return the dish to the oven for 1 additional minute.
Garnish with torn fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers while the cheese is warm and easy to scoop.