How are you supposed to eat caprese?

It stays fresher and it's really easy to use a fork to break your portion up into bite size pieces. Or just eat it with your hands ! Another way to serve a Caprese style salad is to chop everything into bite-size pieces, toss with the olive oil and vinegar, and serve over a bed of lettuce or as a chilled pasta salad.

Why is Caprese so good?

Caprese is truly a magical and perfect combination of flavors, textures, and freshness : ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and some kind of drizzle of either olive oil or balsamic… or both.

How healthy is caprese?

You'll also be getting a good dose of potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin A . Tomatoes get their signature red color from something called lycopene. Lycopene is linked to better heart and eye health. Basil – Basil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural essential oils.

What does caprese mean in Italian?

As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “ Salad of Capri .” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.

Which tomato is best for caprese?

When selecting tomatoes, choose fragrant ones that smell earthy at the stem end and feel heavy for their size . Avoid any with wrinkled skins. You can also make a caprese with smaller tomato varieties, such as plum, roma, cherry, grape, or sungold.

Is caprese good for weight loss?

Created in the 1950s as a light lunch for regulars at a famed Italian restaurant, Trattoria da Vincenzo, the Caprese Salad is a favorite for those on our low carb diets and weight loss management programs because it's filling and packed with flavor, yet also very nutritious. Plus, it's very easy and quick to prepare.

What kind of mozzarella is used in caprese?

FIOR DI LATTE MOZZARELLA You typically find this Mozzarella in large balls sold in brine, or water, and wrapped tightly in plastic. Slice it in rounds for a caprese salad or use it for a traditional margherita pizza.

How is mozzarella eaten in Italy?

Insalata caprese is one of the most beloved ways of eating fresh mozzarella in Italy: that is, served with sliced fresh tomatoes and fresh basil.

What is the best way to eat mozzarella?

Sprinkle an entire ball of mozzarella with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, then drizzle your very best condiment grade olive oil over it. Serve with crackers or warm bread and enjoy the peace and quiet while you finish making dinner. Roasting brings out all the natural sugars from veggies like beets or carrots.

How do Italians eat fresh mozzarella?

But really, the way fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta and burrata are eaten and enjoyed in Italy, is on their own . Just put them on a plate, and serve with bread. If it's summer, then by all means bring out the tomatoes.

Cheesy Caprese Dip Recipe (2024)

Published: May 25, 2016 · Modified: Mar 20, 2024 by Tonia Larson

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This Cheesy Caprese Dip is one appetizer recipe your friends will beg you to make again with its mouthwatering combination of cheeses, basil, and tomatoes.

Everyone knows if you bring a hot, cheesy dipto a party, you will be an instant hero and your friends and family will happily make the dip disappear.

This Cheesy Caprese Dip is just the recipe to share at a summer celebration with the wonderful combination of cheeses, basil, and fresh tomatoes.

You can even prepare the dip in the pan before the party and bake it right before serving.

Disclaimer: This post contains links to products for making this recipe. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. Learn morehere.

Can I Use Homemade Pesto?

Yes, of course, you can make your own pesto for this cheesy caprese appetizer! If you would like to do so, you can try our homemade pesto recipe. It does not contain pine nuts so it is actually called pistou not pesto…who knew?

I personally like to make things as easy as possible when I’m cooking, especially if I am in a rush. So, for this recipe, I used store-bought pesto and it turned out wonderful.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

For this recipe, I used vine riped tomatoes and cut them into small pieces after slicing them and removing the seeds. You can use any tomatoes you like! For example, you could use roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.

If you prefer, you can use canned diced tomatoes just be sure to drain them first!

Can I Make This In A Different Sized Pan?

Yes, you can make in a different sized pan, like a 9-inch pie plate or a small casserole dish. If you want to make it in a 9×13, you will have to increase the ingredient amounts so that it will fill the pan.

Can I Make This Cheesy Caprese Dip Ahead of Time?

Great idea! I love making recipes ahead of time to help relieve some of the stress when having a family get together.

To do so, get everything together in a pan, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Keep in mind it may take a little longer to bake due to the fact that it was in the fridge.

How Can I Make A Lighter Version Of This Recipe?

To make a lighter Cheesy Caprese dip, you could try using fat-free mayonnaise, light cream cheese, and low-fat mozzarella.

What Should I Serve With This Dip?

There are a few different things you can serve with this appetizer such as chips, crackers, crusty bread, and veggie sticks.

Want More Cheesy Dips To Try:

Cheesy Barbecue Dip

recipe is a delicious appetizer that you can share with friends at a backyard barbecue or bring to holiday parties and potlucks.

This Easy Queso Blanco Recipe is a quick way to make white cheese dip using Velveeta and peppers. Serve with chips as a side dish or an appetizer!

Chili Cheese Skillet Dip with Garlic Cheese Bombs is perfect for serving at parties!

ThisBacon Blue Cheese Dip is the ultimate easy party dip! Loaded with the delicious flavors of bacon and blue cheese, this dip is perfect for easy entertaining!