When you want to capture the fresh, vibrant essence of Italy’s most beloved salad in bread form, this Caprese Quick Bread delivers all the sun-soaked flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil in a tender, savory loaf. This innovative bread transforms the classic combination into something completely new yet wonderfully familiar, featuring chunks of fresh mozzarella that melt into creamy pockets, sun-dried tomatoes that provide bursts of concentrated flavor, and fresh basil that perfumes every bite with its distinctive aroma. Each slice offers the perfect balance of herbs, cheese, and tomato that makes you think of Italian summers and rustic countryside kitchens.
Serves: 8-10 people (makes 1 large loaf)
About This Recipe
This Caprese Quick Bread represents the beautiful evolution of classic flavor combinations into new forms. By taking the essential elements of a traditional Caprese salad – fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – and incorporating them into a quick bread format, this recipe creates something that’s both familiar and exciting. What makes this bread special is how it maintains the integrity of each component while creating something entirely new. The key lies in balancing moisture from the cheese and tomatoes with the structure needed for a proper quick bread, while ensuring the basil flavor comes through clearly without being overwhelming. The result is a bread that’s perfect for brunch, picnics, or as an accompaniment to Italian meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the bread:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves for topping
For finishing:
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Getting Your Kitchen Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with olive oil or butter, then lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature about 30 minutes before baking. Room temperature ingredients create a smoother batter and more even texture in the final bread.
Preparing the Mix-Ins
Cut the fresh mozzarella into small, uniform cubes about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the bread soggy.
If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them well and pat dry. Chop them into small pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the bread.
Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil leaves, then chop them coarsely. Fresh basil is essential for authentic flavor – dried basil won’t provide the same bright, aromatic quality.
Creating the Dry Foundation
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. The even distribution of leavening and seasonings is crucial for consistent results.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients – this classic technique helps prevent overmixing when you add the wet ingredients.
Building the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Add the milk, olive oil, and honey, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tomatoes and balances the savory elements without making the bread sweet.
Bringing It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the well in the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together just until the flour disappears.
Don’t overmix – a few streaks of flour are fine. Overmixing develops the gluten and creates a tough, dense bread instead of the tender crumb you want.
Incorporating the Star Ingredients
Gently fold in the mozzarella cubes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter without overworking the mixture.
The batter should be thick but not stiff, with visible pieces of cheese, tomatoes, and herbs distributed throughout.
Shaping and Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter should fill the pan about two-thirds full.
Scatter the reserved fresh basil leaves over the top of the loaf, then sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a beautiful golden top.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
The bread should sound hollow when tapped gently on top, and the edges should be pulling slightly away from the sides of the pan.
If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
The Final Touch
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the top with olive oil while it’s still hot. This creates a beautiful sheen and adds extra flavor.
Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt while the oil is still wet – this adds texture and enhances all the flavors in the bread.
Cooling for Perfect Texture
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. This brief cooling period prevents the bread from breaking apart when removed.
Cool completely before slicing – about 1-2 hours. The bread needs time to set properly, and the flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
Slicing and Serving
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bread, using a gentle sawing motion to avoid crushing the tender crumb or squishing the cheese pockets.
Each slice should reveal beautiful pockets of melted mozzarella, colorful pieces of sun-dried tomato, and flecks of fresh basil throughout the golden crumb.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious served at room temperature and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Try it toasted lightly and drizzled with good olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper for a more intense flavor experience.
It’s perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or as part of an antipasto spread alongside olives, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.
Wine and Pairing Ideas
This bread pairs wonderfully with light Italian wines like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, whose crisp acidity complements the rich cheese and tomatoes.
For red wine lovers, try it with a light Chianti or Barbera that won’t overpower the delicate flavors.
It’s also delicious with sparkling water infused with lemon or fresh herbs for a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing.
Storage and Freshness
Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they meld together.
For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Day-old bread is excellent toasted or used to make savory bread pudding or stuffing.
Seasonal Variations
In summer, add halved cherry tomatoes to the batter for extra fresh tomato flavor and beautiful color.
Try different herbs like oregano or thyme for varied flavor profiles while maintaining the Italian theme.
Add a handful of pine nuts for extra texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the basil beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Results
Pat the mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes dry to prevent excess moisture from making the bread heavy or soggy.
Don’t skip the honey – its subtle sweetness balances the savory elements and helps create a tender crumb.
Fresh basil is crucial – dried basil won’t provide the same bright, aromatic quality that makes this bread special.
Make-Ahead Options
The dry ingredients can be mixed up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Add the wet ingredients and mix-ins just before baking.
This bread is perfect for entertaining because it can be made entirely ahead of time and tastes even better the next day.
This Caprese Quick Bread brings the beloved flavors of Italy’s most iconic salad into an entirely new format, creating something that’s both familiar and exciting. Each slice delivers the perfect balance of creamy mozzarella, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil, proving that sometimes the best innovations come from reimagining classic combinations in creative new ways.
