Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk (or almond milk for vegan version)
- ¼ cup olive oil
Fresh Additions
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced (or plant-based mozzarella for vegan)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are well distributed for a balanced bread.
- Blend the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk (or buttermilk) and olive oil. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined, providing moisture and binding to the bread.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry bowl, stirring gently just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Fold in the fresh additions: Gently fold in chopped fresh basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced mozzarella cheese to impart the signature Caprese flavor and texture.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before slicing to allow the cheese to set.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and quality mozzarella to elevate the flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir just until combined to maintain a light and airy texture.
- If tomatoes are very juicy, pat them dry before folding them in to prevent soggy bread.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing so the cheese stays in place and slices are clean.
- Serve bread warm or at room temperature depending on preference; warm brings out melted cheese, room temp enhances herb and tomato flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Caprese bread, quick bread, basil tomato mozzarella, Italian bread, savory bread, gluten-free bread, Mediterranean flavors