This Caprese Baked Cheese Dip is the ultimate in ease and comfort. With a layer of fresh mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, and Bertolli Tomato & Basil red sauce, it is bursting with Italian flavors, and absolutely delicious!
One of my favorite places to visit is Italy, in fact, I am taking my children with me to Italy later this month. I have had the privilege of visiting many of the different regions of Italy, and have tried food from all over. Today’s recipe is inspired by the freshness, the flavors, and the heritage of Tuscany. It is prepared in the Tuscan Way for your enjoyment.
What is the Tuscan Way?
Well let me tell you… It is a few key ingredients, cooked lightly to lock in flavors. It is simple, fresh, and uncomplicated, with layers of flavor, and a bold taste every time! And this Caprese Baked Cheese Dip fits the bill. It takes less than 5 minutes to put it together, and boasts bold, fresh, uncomplicated flavors. It is simplicity at its best.
Tuscan cooking may be simple, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it is not going to be amazing, because this caprese baked cheese dip will be your new favorite, your go to, your most requested dish. Adults and children alike will clamor for more! And you will happily oblige because you know you want it as badly as they do.
In a world full of complex cooking methods, crazy cooking gadgets and gizmos, and devices you have no idea how to work, it is nice to know you can still make something that offers insane flavor, and happiness in every bite, with only 3 simple ingredients, and bread! You’ve gotta have the bread.
I know that, like the cooks in Tuscany, choosing the right ingredients is key to the success of the dish. Simple only works if the ingredients you choose are great. So for this recipe you have to stick with fresh mozzarella, not the shredded variety. You need fresh basil. And you need to use the Bertolli Tomato & Basil traditional red sauce. Bertolli values craftsmanship in their sauce creation. Their heritage is over 150 years old, and you can see and taste The Tuscan Way of cooking in every bottle. The colors are bright, the flavors distinct, and the sauce high-quality!
Caprese Baked Cheese Dip
Caprese baked cheese dip makes for a wonderful appetizer, served with a freshly sliced baguette lightly coated with olive oil and toasted. But it can also serve as a very delicious and satisfying meal. Try it over a bed of arugula, and a sprinkle of balsamic reduction! It will be the best salad ever.
Want more Tuscan Cooking inspiration? Stop by and browse this educational and beautifully put together page to learn more tips and trick on how to cook The Tuscan Way, and to find recipes and tips for elevating your food, while keeping it uncomplicated and fresh.
More recipes you might enjoy:
- Balsamic Caprese Chicken (Grilled or Stove Top)
- Caprese Salad
- Easy Cheese Sauce Used 4 Ways
- Cheddar Bacon Jalapeno Baked Cheese Dip in a Bread Bowl
- Classic 7 Layer Dip Upgraded
Caprese Baked Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cups Bertolli Tomato & Basil red sauce
- Baguette slices toasted with a touch of olive oil.
Optional:
- Balsamic Glaze to drizzle on top
- Additional fresh basil to garnish the top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small baking dish, layer mozzarella, then basil, then Bertolli Tomato & Basil sauce.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese has melted and sauce is bubbling.
- While the dip is in the oven, slice bread, lay out in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top.
- Put in oven with cheese dip for the last 6 to 8 minutes until toasted and golden. If needed, broil both for about 2 minutes at end to finish.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze which will give you a silky smooth tart but sweet flavor
- Serve warm with toasted bread slices.
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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