Savory Caprese Bread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe

Introduction

Savory Caprese Bread is a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors, combining mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil in a tender loaf. Perfect for a snack or a side, this bread brings vibrant taste and comforting texture to your table.

A close-up of a loaf of savory bread on a wooden board on a white marbled background. The bread has two layers: the crust layer is golden brown with small charred edges and topped with small round slices of bright red cherry tomatoes and scattered green herb leaves. The inside layer is pale yellow with a soft, airy texture filled with bits of red and green herbs and vegetables evenly mixed throughout. In the background, two whole tomatoes are blurred out. 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

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, olive oil, and yogurt until smooth.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
  4. Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
  5. Step 5: Pour 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. Step 6: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor, draining them well before chopping.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter for a subtle spicy kick.
  • Try swapping mozzarella for fresh burrata or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking.
  • Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread slices for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature before reheating. Warm slices in the oven or toaster to revive freshness.

How to Serve

Three thick slices of bread are lined up, each slice showing a soft, light yellow inside with small air holes, dotted with bright red cherry tomato pieces and dark green herb leaves. The crust is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, framing each slice. They rest on a wooden board with a white marbled surface in the background, and blurred red tomatoes and green herb leaves can be seen further back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, mozzarella is traditional for Caprese flavors, but you can substitute with provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Replace mozzarella with a vegan cheese substitute.

Print

Savory Caprese Bread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe

Savory Caprese Bread is a fresh Italian-inspired bread combining classic Caprese flavors like mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil baked into a moist, flavorful loaf. This easy-to-make bread melds wet ingredients including eggs, olive oil, and Greek yogurt with dry ingredients and savory add-ins for a perfect snack or accompaniment to any meal.

  • Author: Tim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8×4 inch), about 8 servings 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

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, olive oil, and plain Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, which helps in achieving a tender bread texture.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly throughout the bread.
  4. Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. Then fold in the shredded mozzarella, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to incorporate the savory flavors.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
  6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity to 1 tbsp).
  • For a spicy kick, add black pepper or red pepper flakes as desired.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • This bread is perfect served with olive oil or as a side to soups and salads.

Keywords: Caprese bread, savory Italian bread, mozzarella bread, sun-dried tomato bread, basil bread, homemade loaf

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