Name: Savory Caprese Bread: A Fresh Italian Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp 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

Introduction

Savory Caprese Bread is a delightful Italian-inspired loaf bursting with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. This moist, flavorful bread is perfect for a snack, appetizer, or alongside a meal. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it brings the vibrant flavors of Caprese salad into a comforting bread form.

The image shows three thick slices of focaccia bread stacked slightly on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each slice has a golden-brown crust on the edges with a soft, pale yellow interior filled with small air holes. Bright red cherry tomato pieces and dark green basil leaves are spread evenly throughout the bread, giving a fresh and colorful look. The texture appears light and fluffy with some crispier spots on the crust. In the background, a fresh basil leaf lays on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large eggs

½ cup whole milk

¼ cup olive oil

2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp 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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, olive oil, and Greek yogurt until smooth.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Fold in the shredded mozzarella, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Add black pepper or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: 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.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder slightly or add finely minced fresh garlic to the wet ingredients.

Use fresh mozzarella and tear it into small pieces for a gooier texture inside the bread.

Add a handful of chopped olives or sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor depth.

If you prefer a spicier bread, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or fontina for a different flavor profile. Each will add a unique taste and texture to the bread.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the whole milk and Greek yogurt with unsweetened dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute to keep it savory and tasty.