Low Sodium Hot Caprese Dip Recipe
This low sodium hot caprese dip recipe is an absolutely delicious appetizer made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and creamy low sodium cheeses. Follow our step-by-step photos, and in about 30 minutes you can have an amazing hot and bubbling cheese dip that is great for entertaining.
A great appetizer any time of year – for BBQs, gatherings, parties, game day, or for holidays. Fresh tomatoes are tossed with basil and spices, and baked with ricotta cheese. Serve with low sodium bread, crackers, or veggies.
Want more low sodium dip recipes? Try our low sodium guacamole recipe, low sodium 7 layer dip, and our favorite low sodium pico de gallo salsa.
We’re still getting garden tomatoes, and I’ve been looking for super delicious and easy recipes to make with them. This hot Italian baked dip was a super tasty treat. It’s made with baked tomatoes, low sodium ricotta cheese, and a bit of parmesan cheese at the end for extra flavor.
This one-pan dish is super easy to make and everyone will love this dip! It’s a fun twist on a classic Caprese (tomato, basil, and cheese) dish, and baked in the oven to perfection. The tomatoes are bursting with flavor, and the cheeses are hot and bubbling, and ready to be dipped!
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s cheesy, creamy, flavorful, and gooey!
- A great entertaining appetizer to enjoy any time of year.
- All the classic flavors of Italian Caprese salad, but low in sodium.
- Ready in 30 minutes, this is an easy recipe to make for company.
- Anyone can successfully make this dish by following our step-by-step photos and directions below.
Ingredients You’ll Need
See the recipe card below for a full list of instructions and ingredient amounts!
The base of this recipe is fresh tomatoes. I used some nice tri-colored cherry tomatoes. You can use any variety of tomatoes; see our notes below for some great suggestions!
I like using fresh basil, both to bake with the tomatoes and also as a garnish. I also use thyme, oregano, and black pepper for extra flavor.
And this tasty dip wouldn’t be complete without garlic and fresh olive oil.I also just just a hint of balsamic vinegar for a great tang.
For the cheese I used creamy ricotta, which is low in sodium, but see our notes below for other cheese options. You can make your own homemade salt free ricotta cheese, which is delicious! I also used just a little fresh parmesan for topping.
Additions and Substitutions
Use any variety of tomatoes you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes work great in this recipe (and are a good option to use in the winter, as they are usually sweeter than larger tomatoes not in season). You can also use Campari tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or any sliced tomato you have.
Instead of dried thyme and oregano, you can use a salt-free Italian spice blend if desired.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use jarred chopped garlic.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 8 x 8 inch baking dish (or similar size) add the fresh tomatoes.
Step 2: Add in half the fresh basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and pour in the olive oil. Toss well to combine.
Step 3: Carefully remove the tomatoes from the oven. Spread the ricotta cheese in an even layer over the tomatoes.
Step 4: Grate fresh Parmesan on top of the ricotta, and return the baking dish to the oven to cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the dip from the oven, and top with fresh basil to garnish.
Step 6: Spread on fresh low sodium bread, dip crackers or vegetables into, or even toss with pasta!
Recipe FAQs
Low sodium ricotta cheese, fresh mozzarella, cream cheese, or burrata are all good low sodium options for cheese. This dip uses baked ricotta cheese, and also a little sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top for extra flavor.
You can assemble the tomato mixture ahead of time, then bake the tomatoes and add the cheeses before serving.
If you have leftovers, store the dip in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat and enjoy within 3 days.
Expert Tips
- If you are using large tomatoes, you can slice, chop, or halve them – just make sure they are roughly the same size so they are consistent in the dip.
- For extra tangy flavor, drizzle a bit of extra balsamic vinegar over the dip before serving.
- For a spicier dip, you can add chili flakes or a few drops of your favorite low sodium hot sauce recipe, or even low sodium buffalo sauce for extra flavor!
- If you can’t find low sodium ricotta cheese, make your own! Our salt free ricotta cheese recipe has only milk + vinegar.
More Low Sodium Dip Ideas
- Low Sodium Sour Cream and Onion Dip
- Low Sodium Cowboy Caviar Dip
- The best Low Sodium Queso Cheese Dip
- Low Sodium Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- Low Sodium Hummus Recipe
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Low Sodium Hot Caprese Dip
Equipment
- 8 x 8 inch baking dish or similar sized baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup fresh basil sliced
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low sodium ricotta cheese in an even layer
- ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 8 x 8 inch baking dish (or similar size) add the fresh tomatoes.
- Add in half the fresh basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and pour in the olive oil. Toss well to combine.
- Carefully remove the tomatoes from the oven. Spread the ricotta cheese in an even layer over the tomatoes.
- Grate fresh Parmesan on top of the ricotta, and return the baking dish to the oven to cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove the dip from the oven, and top with the remaining fresh basil to garnish. Spread on fresh low sodium bread, dip crackers or vegetables into, or even toss with pasta!
Notes
- If you are using large tomatoes, you can slice, chop, or halve them – just make sure they are roughly the same size so they are consistent in the dip.
- For extra tangy flavor, drizzle a bit of extra balsamic vinegar over the dip before serving.
- For a spicier dip, you can add chili flakes or a few drops of your favorite low sodium hot sauce recipe, or even low sodium buffalo sauce for extra flavor!
- If you can’t find low sodium ricotta cheese, make your own! Our salt free ricotta cheese recipe has only milk + vinegar.
Nutrition estimate (for 1 serving)
*Please note, all nutrition content is estimated based on the ingredients we used in our kitchen. It will vary based on your ingredients. Always check your nutrition labels to verify your nutrition content and sodium amounts.
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I love developing the slow sodium recipe for you, if you make this delicious hot dip, please let us know and leave a rating below!
I could eat this every day. So delicious.