What is better than Garlic Bread? Caprese Garlic Bread!!!
This is just Garlic bread, on steroids. It is a delicious dish that combines garlic, basil, tomato, and mozzarella cheese. It is a variation of traditional garlic bread, and its origins can be traced back to the Caprese salad, a classic Italian dish made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
The recipe for Caprese garlic bread is relatively simple. It consists of a baguette or other type of crusty bread that is sliced in half lengthwise, and then topped with a mixture of minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil leaves. Sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are added on top, and the bread is baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Caprese garlic bread has evolved over time, and there are now many variations of the dish. Some recipes call for the addition of balsamic vinegar or other ingredients, while others use different types of cheese or bread. However, the basic ingredients of garlic, basil, tomato, and mozzarella remain the same, and they continue to be the defining flavors of this delicious and beloved dish.
Why Caprese Garlic Bread works:
- It works because the mozzarella cheese, tomato, and basil are a classic combination that balance the creaminess, acidity, and freshness of each other. The cheese also melts and stretches beautifully, creating a gooey and satisfying texture.
- Because it uses a buttery and garlicky bread as the base of the dish, which adds crunch and flavor. The bread is sliced, spread with butter and garlic, and toasted in the oven, until it is golden and crisp. The bread also contrasts with the softness and juiciness of the cheese and the tomato, creating a pleasant texture.
- Works because it uses a balsamic glaze as a finishing touch, which adds sweetness and tanginess to the dish. The balsamic glaze is a thick and syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar and sugar, which drizzled over the cheese and the tomato, enhancing their flavor and color. The balsamic glaze also adds some acidity and complexity, and balances the richness and saltiness of the cheese and the bread.
Tips and tricks to make Caprese Garlic Bread:
- To make Caprese Garlic Bread, you need to use a fresh and crusty loaf of bread, such as a baguette, a ciabatta, or a sourdough. You need to slice the bread into 1/2 inch thick slices, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Top each bread slice with a piece of cheese and a piece of tomato, and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and sprinkle some basil leaves over the cheese and the tomato. Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the bread, or serve it on the side, in a small bowl or a squeeze bottle.
- Watch the bread carefully.Â
Caprese Garlic Bread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread, or a baguette horizontally cut in half
- 4 Tbsp salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cut a baguette in half lengthwise and arrange the pieces on a large baking sheet, cut side facing up. Set the oven to 400 degrees F and let it preheat.
- - Mix butter and garlic in a small bowl until well combined.- Cut the bread in half and spread the butter mixture evenly over both halves.- Cover the bread with mozzarella cheese slices, leaving no gaps.- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- To prepare the balsamic reduction (or use a store bought balsamic glaze), pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Boil the vinegar over high heat, then lower the heat to simmer. Stir now and then until the vinegar is reduced by half. This will take around 5-7 minutes. Put it aside.
- Take the bread out of the oven. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the bread. Sprinkle some salt and pepper according to your preference. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and pour some balsamic reduction over them. Cut the bread into slices and enjoy.
Nutrition
Caprese Garlic Bread Pairs well with:
