Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of the classic Caprese salad, you’re going to love this bread. It combines the beloved ingredients of mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil, but in the form of a soft, savory loaf. The bread has a light, fluffy texture with pockets of cheese and tomatoes throughout. Whether served warm with a drizzle of olive oil or paired with your favorite pasta dish, this bread will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Add-ins:
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Optional: pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick
Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, olive oil, and yogurt until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
4. Combine and Fold
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix. Fold in the shredded mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. If you’re using black pepper or red pepper flakes, add them in as well.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 1 loaf (serves about 10)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Options: You can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses such as Parmesan, feta, or a mix of Italian cheeses. For a creamier texture, try adding ricotta.
- Pesto Twist: Swirl some pesto into the batter for an added layer of flavor.
- Dried Basil: If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can work as a substitute, though fresh basil will provide a brighter, more fragrant flavor.
- Add More Veggies: You can incorporate other vegetables like roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach for added flavor and color.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan?
You can use a slightly larger or smaller loaf pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan may require a little longer baking time, while a larger pan may bake faster.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this bread in advance. It stays fresh for a few days when stored properly, and the flavors often deepen after resting for a few hours.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or even buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor. Both will give a similar texture and taste.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top, and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also gently tap the top of the loaf — it should sound hollow.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend is designed for baking to ensure the right texture and rise.
Can I add other herbs or spices to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a more complex flavor profile. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes will also give the bread a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Savory Caprese Bread is an Italian-inspired delight that combines all your favorite Caprese salad flavors into a warm, inviting loaf. With mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil baked into the bread, it’s the perfect savory addition to any meal. Whether served on its own, alongside pasta, or as a tasty sandwich base, this bread is sure to impress. Try it today for a delightful homemade treat that’s both easy and delicious!
Savory Caprese Bread: A Fresh Italian Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (serves about 10)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory Caprese Bread combines the delicious flavors of mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into a soft, savory loaf. Perfect for any meal or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Optional: pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, olive oil, and yogurt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix. Fold in the shredded mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. If you’re using black pepper or red pepper flakes, add them in as well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
If using a different cheese like Parmesan or feta, adjust the texture by adding a little extra yogurt for creaminess.
For a more intense basil flavor, add a few extra tablespoons of fresh basil.
Feel free to substitute dried basil if fresh isn’t available, but fresh basil gives a brighter flavor.
Experiment with different vegetables like roasted peppers or spinach for added color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
