This post may contain affiliate links. Read mydisclosure policy.
A simple recipe for Caprese Garlic Bread, the best garlic bread you will ever eat!
Garlic bread has always been a staple in our home. Growing up, my dad would make garlic bread to go with every Italian meal. My dad’s lasagna, spaghetti, and ravioli always had garlic bread on the side. Carb overload? Maybe, but I never complained.Now, every time I am make an Italian meal, I ask Josh if he wants garlic bread to go with. He says yes 100% of the time. I am glad he enjoys garlic bread as much as I do. And since we both eat it, it doesn’t matter if we have garlic breath:)
I love plain old garlic bread, but we recently gave the traditional garlic bread a makeover. We made Caprese Garlic Bread and let me tell you, this is the BEST garlic bread I have ever eaten. I am putting it in the top 10 recipes we have ever made…ok, maybe 20. I love a lot of our recipes:) This Caprese Garlic Bread is a winner. It deserves a gold medal for sure!
This garlic bread recipe has all of my favorite ingredients-bread, cheese, tomatoes, basil, and of course garlic and butter! We used Land O Lakes Butter in Half Sticks for this recipe. It is perfect because the recipe calls for four tablespoons, which is exactly one half stick! Perfect! No need to cut a stick of butter in half and have the other half get lost in the fridge.
We mixed together softened butter and minced garlic. Oh, what a glorious combination!
We spread the bread-hey, that rhymes, with the garlic butter.
We added slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and popped the bread into the oven. We baked the bread for about 15 minutes, until the cheese was melted and starting to brown on the edges.
We topped the bread with tomato slices, seasoned them with salt and pepper, and sprinkled fresh basil over the tomatoes.
Next, we added a drizzle of balsamic. We reduced the balsamic vinegar to give it a thicker texture and sweeter flavor.
And voila-Caprese Garlic Bread! The best garlic bread ever!!
We cut the bread into thick slices and devoured the loaf. It’s crusty, cheesy, garlicky, buttery, tomatoey, basily, and a tad bit vinegary. I think I just made up a bunch of words, but you’re with me, right? It’s super duper delicious!
If you are looking for an updated version of the classic garlic bread, make this Caprese Garlic Bread. It will change your life for the better. And it is perfect for summer! So fresh and tasty! We are going to be making this garlic bread all summer long. And don’t be worried about garlic breath, just make sure the person you are smoochin’ eats some too. I am sure you won’t have to twist their arm:)
Vegetarian
Garlic bread with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic! The best garlic bread you will ever eat!
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread horizontally cut in half
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place both sides of the baguette on a large baking sheet with the cut side up.
In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic and spread evenly on bread halves. Place the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the bread, making sure the cheese covers the bread completely. Bake the bread for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
While the bread is in the oven, make the balsamic reduction. Place the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring the vinegar to a boil, decrease the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by about half. This should only take about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Remove the bread from oven. Top the bread with tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Cut into slices and serve.
Have you tried this recipe?
Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Tag @twopeasandpod and hashtag it with #twopeasandtheirpod
Disclosure: this post is in partnership with Land O’ Lakes.
FAQs
Herbed garlic parmesan bread, grilled, then topped with creamy burrata cheese, sweet summer tomatoes, a simple balsamic dressing, basil, and crispy prosciutto. It's simple, oh so pretty, and comes together in just minutes.
What 3 main ingredients in this recipe reflect the traditional caprese salad and the flag of Italy? ›
You'll have noticed, if you've ever eaten this tasty delicacy, that the colours of this salad reflect the Italian flag. Vibrant green basil, fresh white mozzarella and bright red tomatoes all come together to make this delicious, nutritious platter which evokes summer afternoons spent soaking up the Italian sunshine.
How healthy is caprese? ›
You'll also be getting a good dose of potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Tomatoes get their signature red color from something called lycopene. Lycopene is linked to better heart and eye health. Basil – Basil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural essential oils.
What is a caprese sandwich made of? ›
Caprese Sandwich- a classic Italian sandwich made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil. To make the sandwich extra special, add pesto, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Why is Caprese so good? ›
Caprese is truly a magical and perfect combination of flavors, textures, and freshness: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and some kind of drizzle of either olive oil or balsamic… or both. For this Caprese, I used a simple balsamic reduction, which results in a pretty presentation and gorgeous flavor.
Why is it called Caprese? ›
The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".
Is caprese actually Italian? ›
Whatever the reason, there's no doubt that Caprese salad is one of Italy's most loved, internationally recognized dishes. The ever-so simple recipe follows.
Why is my caprese salad watery? ›
Tomatoes should never be refrigerated. It makes them watery and robs them of their truly delicious taste. Keep them at room temperature for the best flavour.
Is caprese good for weight loss? ›
Created in the 1950s as a light lunch for regulars at a famed Italian restaurant, Trattoria da Vincenzo, the Caprese Salad is a favorite for those on our low carb diets and weight loss management programs because it's filling and packed with flavor, yet also very nutritious. Plus, it's very easy and quick to prepare.
What is the healthiest mozzarella cheese? ›
Part-Skim Mozzarella: Whole milk, part skim—what is the difference? Part skim has less fat in it and is the healthier choice.
Nutritional Info: Per serving: 250 calories (160 from fat), 18g total fat, 6g saturated fat, 25mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 9g carbohydrates (2g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 14g protein.
What is on the Jimmy John's Caprese sandwich? ›
The Jimmy John's Caprese Salami Pesto Sandwich and Wrap are filled to the brim with time-honored Italian ingredients, like slow-roasted tomatoes, all-natural Genoa salami, basil pesto, balsamic glaze, olive oil, oregano, onion, mayonnaise and topped with award-winning fresh mozzarella and served on either French bread ...
How to make a caprese sandwich not soggy? ›
This caprese sandwich is fresh from the basil and hearty from thick, crusty ciabatta. The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor. Topping the bread with a layer of basil leaves and using toasted bread helps to keep the sandwich from getting soggy if you need to make it a few hours ahead.
What kind of mozzarella is used in caprese? ›
Ovolini mozzarella is just one size down from your standard large ball, perfect for when you're making a caprese for just one or two people. It can be made with buffalo milk, cow's milk, or a combination, but inside the states, it will be made with 100 percent cow's milk.
What does caprese mean in Italian cooking? ›
Etymology. Italian, short for insalata caprese, literally, salad in the manner of Capri.
Is caprese and mozzarella the same? ›
An Italian term, the word caprese refers to the combination of fresh Mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, sweet basil, salt, and olive oil. Most commonly it applies to the ever-popular caprese salad which originated in Capri, Italy.
