If you love the rich creaminess of fresh mozzarella combined with the sweet tang of burst cherry tomatoes, you’re in for a treat with this Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, perfect for impressing guests or elevating a casual snack night. The luscious whipped cheese paired with warm, oven-roasted tomatoes tastes like a fresh slice of pizza in dip form—seriously irresistible.
When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how simple ingredients could transform into something so flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, a holiday party, or just craving something cozy and delicious, you’ll find that this dip hits all the right notes. Plus, prepping it doesn’t require a ton of time or fancy techniques, which is a total win in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Fresh Flavors: Roasting cherry tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the creamy cheese dip.
- Easy Entertaining: It comes together quickly and looks impressive, ideal for last-minute guests or casual get-togethers.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with bread, crackers, or veggies — you get to choose how you enjoy it.
- Made with Simple Ingredients: No complicated pantry staples needed, just fresh mozzarella, ricotta, basil, and a few more favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a dreamy dip that’s both creamy and bright. Fresh mozzarella and ricotta give it a silky texture, while roasted cherry tomatoes add the perfect tangy punch. Choose ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Opt for sweet, firm tomatoes; grape tomatoes also work in a pinch.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality oil for more depth of flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and sweetness to the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil: Adds herbaceous brightness; fresh over dried is key.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild spice and balance.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for a punch of savory depth.
- Fresh mozzarella: Roughly chopped to whip into a creamy dip.
- Ricotta: Contributes lightness and extra creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Helps achieve that perfectly silky, spreadable texture.
- Pesto: Either homemade or store-bought, it adds vibrant basil flavor and a touch of richness.
- Grilled bread, crackers, or vegetable crudités: For the perfect dipping experience!
Variations
I often tweak this dip depending on the season or what I have on hand—you can really make it your own! Whether you want to add a spicy kick or keep it classic, these variations are easy to try and always delicious.
- Spicy Version: I like stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzling a little chili-infused oil over the top for some heat.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Swap ricotta for a plant-based cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream; the tomatoes and pesto still shine.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh thyme or oregano in place of basil for a different yet equally lovely aroma.
- Add Roasted Garlic: Roasting the garlic instead of adding it fresh gives a mellow sweetness that the family adored last time I tried it.
How to Make Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Cherry Tomatoes to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425ºF. In an 8-by-8-inch baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil sprigs, salt, and pepper. Spread them out so they cook evenly, then roast for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the tomatoes burst, juices bubble, and they get golden spots. Stir in the garlic right away while the tomatoes are hot to soften its bite, then discard the basil stems and let the tomatoes cool slightly. This step really elevates the flavor — the roasting intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness making the dip unforgettable.
Step 2: Whip the Cheeses Until Silky Smooth
While the tomatoes roast, combine the roughly chopped mozzarella, ricotta, heavy cream, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until ultra creamy and spreadable, about a minute. If it feels too thick, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until it feels just right—smooth, fluffy, and soft. I discovered this trick after a few attempts because every batch of cheese has slightly different moisture content; don’t be afraid to adjust.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Spread the whipped mozzarella mixture onto a serving platter, then dollop with pesto here and there — this adds a pop of basil flavor and color that looks stunning. Spoon the burst cherry tomatoes and their juices over the top, and grind some fresh black pepper. Serve immediately with grilled bread, crackers, or your favorite crudités. I love how the dip’s creamy texture contrasts with the juicy tomatoes; plus the pesto tie-together is the perfect touch.
Pro Tips for Making Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: It blends more easily in the food processor, so take the mozzarella and ricotta out of the fridge about 30 minutes before whipping.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Addition Post-Roast: Adding garlic right after the tomatoes come out of the oven mellows its sharpness beautifully without overpowering.
- Taste as You Go: Salt levels can vary by cheese brand; adjust seasonings after blending to get it just right.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: The dip tastes best not too cold—bringing it to room temp allows all that creamy flavor to shine.
How to Serve Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh basil leaves over the top for an extra herbaceous pop, and sometimes I add a few shavings of parmesan to up the cheesiness. A drizzle of the best extra-virgin olive oil just before serving adds a glossy finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Black pepper freshly cracked over the top always makes it look and taste like you made an effort—yet it’s so quick!
Side Dishes
Serve this dip alongside grilled rustic bread slices or crunchy crackers for scooping. I also like pairing it with colorful vegetable crudités—think cucumber spears, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks for a fresh, balanced bite. It’s a great appetizer that can double as a light lunch when paired with a crisp salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered the dip in pretty glass bowls showing off the juicy roasted tomatoes on top, garnished with mini basil leaves. Another favorite presentation is individual ramekins for each guest—makes it feel a little luxe and perfect for portion control. Don’t underestimate the charm of serving everything on a wooden board for a cozy, rustic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The tomatoes may release a bit more liquid as they sit, so before serving again, I like to stir it gently and let it come to room temperature to regain its creamy texture. This dip doesn’t hold up well for longer storage because fresh mozzarella’s texture changes.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe because the delicate fresh cheese and roasted tomatoes don’t thaw well; freezing tends to break their texture and flavor. When in doubt, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
If you want to reheat leftovers, do so gently in a warm oven (about 300ºF) for 5-7 minutes just until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating—it can make the cheese separate and get rubbery. Stir lightly before serving to bring everything back together.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought shredded mozzarella for this dip?
While shredded mozzarella can work, I highly recommend using fresh mozzarella for the best creamy texture and fresh flavor. Store-bought shredded cheese is often drier and may contain additives that affect how it whips up with the ricotta.
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What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, a splash of red wine vinegar or even lemon juice can add acidity to balance the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes. However, balsamic adds a depth and sweetness that really shines here.
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How spicy can I make the Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe?
You can easily turn up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes to either the cheese mixture or drizzling chili oil over the dip before serving. Start with a little—you can always add more once you taste it!
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Can this dip be made ahead of time?
The cheese mixture can be whipped ahead and refrigerated, but I recommend roasting the tomatoes fresh on the day you plan to serve for the best texture and flavor. Assemble everything shortly before serving for that fresh, warm burst.
Final Thoughts
This Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want to impress without stress. Its creamy, fresh flavors remind me of summer evenings spent with friends and plenty of laughter around the table. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together in a flash, you really can’t go wrong with this one. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do – it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I know it’ll win you over too!
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Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 8 – 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful and creamy appetizer that combines the fresh flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes, rich whipped mozzarella, ricotta, and pesto. Baked tomatoes bursting with flavor complement the smooth, spreadable cheese mixture, making it perfect for serving with grilled bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. This dip captures the essence of a Margherita pizza in an easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing form.
Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
- 1 pt. (2 c.) cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 large sprigs fresh basil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, roughly chopped
- 4 oz. ricotta (1/2 c.)
- 2 tbsp. (or more) heavy cream
- 3 tbsp. homemade or store-bought pesto
For Serving
- Grilled bread, bread, crackers, or vegetable crudités
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast Cherry Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. In an 8″-by-8″ baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil sprigs, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the tomatoes burst and develop golden spots. This roasting intensifies their flavor and softens them.
- Add Garlic and Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately stir in the minced garlic to the hot tomatoes to infuse flavor, then let the mixture cool slightly. Remove and discard the basil sprigs to avoid overpowering the dip.
- Whip the Cheese Mixture: While the tomatoes are roasting, place the chopped fresh mozzarella, ricotta, heavy cream, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is creamy and spreadable, about 1 minute. Add up to 2 tablespoons more heavy cream if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the whipped mozzarella mixture onto a serving platter evenly. Dollop the pesto over the cheese mixture to add herby richness. Spoon the burst tomato mixture along with their juices over the dip. Finish with a grind or two of black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Offer the whipped mozzarella dip with grilled bread, regular bread, crackers, or vegetable crudités for dipping. Enjoy immediately to savor the contrast between creamy cheese and warm roasted tomatoes.
Notes
- This dip captures all the delicious flavors of a Margherita pizza in a creamy, craveable form.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and basil for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to get the perfect dip consistency.
- If desired, warm the dip slightly before serving but it is best served at room temperature.
- Perfect as an appetizer for parties or casual gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
