Name: Caprese Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2–3 ripe tomatoes, sliced; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This Caprese Garlic Bread is a delightful Italian-American appetizer featuring crispy French or Italian bread topped with garlic butter, melted mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or as a side, this cheesy tomato bread combines classic Caprese flavors with a satisfying crunch and warm, melty cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2–3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic until well combined to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
Spread Butter on Bread: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter over both halves of the bread, ensuring every bite gets a garlicky richness.
Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic buttered bread. Then, arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly on top of the cheese layer. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread halves on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crisp.
Add Fresh Basil and Glaze: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh chopped or torn basil leaves on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired for a sweet and tangy finish.
Serve Warm: Slice the Caprese garlic bread into pieces and serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

For an extra crispy finish, broil the bread for an additional 1–2 minutes after baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Try using cherry tomatoes for a colorful and slightly sweeter variation.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for enhanced cheesy flavor.