Savory Caprese Bread: A Fresh Italian Bread Recipe
Savory Caprese Bread is a delightful Italian-inspired loaf bursting with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. This moist and flavorful bread combines the richness of eggs and olive oil with aromatic herbs and cheeses, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite Italian dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, olive oil, and plain Greek yogurt or sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender. Next, fold in the shredded mozzarella, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil evenly through the batter. Add black pepper or red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a soft, tender crumb.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, though the texture may be denser.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra flavor and moisture; drain them well before chopping.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing and toast slices before serving.
Keywords: Caprese bread, savory Italian bread, sun-dried tomato bread, fresh basil bread, mozzarella bread, easy savory loaf, Italian appetizer bread
