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Whipped Mozzarella Dip with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://littlespoonbites.com/whipped-mozzarella-dip-with-burst-cherry-tomatoes-recipe/