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Savory Caprese Bread Recipe

4.8 from 58 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Preheat Oven: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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