Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, diced (drained of excess juice)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato mixture: Dice fresh tomatoes and toss them with minced garlic, finely chopped fresh basil, a pinch of salt, and a splash of olive oil. Let the mixture sit briefly to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the cheese blend.
- Combine the cheeses: Grate mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and mix them together in a bowl to ensure your dip will be creamy and richly flavorful once melted.
- Layer the dip: Spread a thin layer of the tomato mixture at the bottom of an oven-safe dish. Generously top with the mixed cheeses, then add the remaining tomatoes over the cheese for a colorful and fresh finish.
- Bake until bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dip for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and sprinkle with extra chopped basil. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crunchy crackers.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes and basil for best flavor and to avoid a watery dip.
- Drain excess tomato juice to prevent sogginess.
- Grate cheese fresh for better melting rather than using pre-shredded.
- Keep an eye on baking time to ensure cheese is melted and golden but not dried out.
- Serve immediately while warm for optimum gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheesy bruschetta dip, baked dip, appetizer, party snack, melted cheese dip, easy dip recipe, tomato basil dip, gluten free appetizer