Savory Caprese Bread Recipe
Introduction
Savory Caprese Bread is a delicious twist on the classic Italian salad, baked right into a warm, golden loaf. Combining fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil inside soft bread dough creates a perfect snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- Bread dough (enough for one loaf)
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out the bread dough into a flat rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Step 2: Layer the mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Step 3: Carefully roll or fold the dough to encase the fillings, sealing the edges to prevent leaks.
- Step 4: Place the stuffed dough on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the bread is golden brown, about 25–30 minutes.
- Step 5: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder on the dough before adding the filling.
- Try adding a balsamic glaze drizzle after baking for a sweet and tangy touch.
- Use different types of fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to vary the aroma.
Storage
Store leftover Caprese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven until heated through to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made bread dough for this recipe?
Yes, pre-made bread dough works well and saves time. Just make sure it’s thawed and at room temperature before assembling.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Tomatoes with firm flesh like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes hold up best inside the bread and add great flavor without releasing too much moisture.
PrintSavory Caprese Bread Recipe
Savory Caprese Bread is a deliciously soft bread stuffed with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This Italian-inspired loaf bursts with classic Caprese salad flavors baked right inside a golden, crusty bread, making it perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a unique addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Filling
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stuff the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Layer the mozzarella slices evenly over the dough, then top with tomato slices and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle lightly with olive oil if desired.
- Form the Bread: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer side to enclose the filling. Pinch the edges to seal and shape into a loaf. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, make a few slashes on top for steam release.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but use sparingly as it is more concentrated.
- Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly to prevent leaking during baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread dough with a gluten-free bread dough recipe.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in foil or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
Keywords: Caprese bread, stuffed bread, mozzarella bread, tomato basil bread, Italian bread, savory bread
