Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Optional: ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Bread, crostini, or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer mozzarella on top of the cream cheese.
- Scatter halved tomatoes over the cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Serve warm with toasted bread, crostini, or crackers.
Notes
- For extra richness, add shredded Parmesan to the cheese layers.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Swap cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter dip.
- Great make-ahead dish—assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
