Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the golden loaf from the oven, a wave of mouthwatering aroma filled my kitchen—fresh basil mingling with the warm, nutty scent of baked bread. This Savory Caprese Quick Bread is my go-to recipe when I want to impress but keep things effortless. In just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can whip up this beginner-friendly delight, loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and that unmistakable burst of basil flavor. Not only does it make for a fantastic appetizer or snack, but it’s also a perfect partner for soups and salads. The best part? You can adapt it with simple pantry staples, making it a convenient option for any day of the week. Ever wondered how a humble quick bread can taste so special? Let’s dive into the joyful world of homemade goodness! Why is Caprese Quick Bread a Must-Try? Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe requires just basic baking skills and minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy home cooks. Vibrant Flavors: Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil dance together to create a taste experience that sings of Italian summer days. Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it warm alongside a bowl of soup or as a delightful appetizer with balsamic glaze—perfect for entertaining guests! Healthy Twist: Swap in whole wheat flour or extra veggies to add nutrition without sacrificing flavor. If you love savory bites, consider trying Honey Butter Cornbread or a comforting slice of Zucchini Bread Lemon for variety. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at a family gathering or on a casual weeknight, this quick bread is sure to impress everyone at the table! Caprese Quick Bread Ingredients For the Bread Base All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and lightness for the bread; substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser texture. Baking Powder – Acts as the leavening agent, giving you a delightful rise without needing yeast. Salt – Enhances overall flavor, striking the perfect balance between sweet and savory elements. Garlic Powder – Imparts subtle savory notes, complementing the freshness of the other ingredients. Black Pepper – Adds a mild kick and aromatic depth, making each slice more flavorful. For the Wet Mixture Large Eggs – Bind all ingredients and contribute to a tender structure and rich flavor. Whole Milk – Keeps the loaf moist; can be replaced with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option. Olive Oil – Adds richness and retains moisture; melt some butter for an alternative flavor. For the Flavorful Add-Ins Cherry Tomatoes – Bursting with sweetness and acidity, they create vibrant pockets of flavor throughout the loaf. Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into soft strands, offering a creamy texture; try provolone or feta for a different taste. Fresh Basil – Infuses the bread with fragrant herbal brightness, lifting the overall flavor profile. For the Topping Grated Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkled on top to create a golden, savory crust that adds an irresistible finish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caprese Quick Bread Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, greasing or lining a 9×5-inch loaf pan will ensure your Caprese Quick Bread releases easily after baking. Take a moment to organize your workspace, so you have everything at hand for a smooth baking experience. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until thoroughly blended, allowing the baking powder to evenly distribute throughout the mixture. Take a moment to admire the snowy white flour before you introduce the wet ingredients—it’s the foundation for an airy loaf! Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, crack in the large eggs and beat them lightly. Add in the whole milk and olive oil, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency. This step is crucial for ensuring your Caprese Quick Bread is moist and flavorful, so take your time to incorporate all wet ingredients fully. Step 4: Mix the Batter Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—the batter should be slightly lumpy for the best texture. Remember, you want a tender crumb for your delightful Caprese Quick Bread, so embrace a gentle touch! Step 5: Fold in the Flavorful Add-Ins Next, fold the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil into the batter. Take care not to crush the tomatoes, as their juicy sweetness is a highlight of your bread. The colorful mixture of ingredients is sure to excite your senses, promising a flavorful loaf ahead. Step 6: Transfer to the Loaf Pan Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. This helps the Caprese Quick Bread bake uniformly. You’ll want to see a beautiful golden crust form, so make sure the batter is spread out nicely for even baking. Step 7: Add the Topping Before baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the batter. This not only creates a delicious crust but also enhances the savory flavor of your Caprese Quick Bread. Take a moment to appreciate your creation before it goes into the oven! Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The warm aromas wafting through your kitchen will be an inviting sign that goodness is on the way! Step 9: Cool Before Slicing Once baked, allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it retain its shape when transferring to a wire rack. The tempting aroma continues to fill the air, making your patience worthwhile as you get ready to slice into your Caprese Quick Bread. Step 10: Serve and Enjoy After cooling completely on the wire rack, it’s time to slice your delicious loaf! Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, this Caprese Quick Bread is a fantastic treat for snacking, paired with soups, or as an appetizer. Savor each mouthful as they take you on a delightful culinary journey! How to Store and Freeze Caprese Quick Bread Room Temperature: Keep the Caprese Quick Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. Fridge: If you have leftovers, you can store the quick bread in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices of Caprese Quick Bread for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Reheating: To enjoy your bread, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. What to Serve with Savory Caprese Quick Bread? A delightful loaf filled with vibrant flavors is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal. Creamy Tomato Soup: The tangy richness of tomato soup perfectly balances the savory bread, creating a warm and comforting combination that’s hard to resist. Garden Salad: A light salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness and texture, complementing the rich flavors of the Caprese Quick Bread beautifully. Balsamic Glaze Dip: Drizzling a tangy balsamic glaze over warm slices enhances the Italian essence, making each bite a burst of flavor that intrigues your taste buds. Bruschetta Topping: Layering a hint of bruschetta—diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil on top—tells a story of Italian tradition while adding an extra touch of freshness. Olive Oil and Sea Salt: For a simple dip, a bowl of quality olive oil sprinkled with sea salt invites a rustic touch and celebrates the bread’s savory notes. Stuffed Mushrooms: The meaty texture of stuffed mushrooms offers a delightful contrast to the bread’s soft crumb, making for an enticing appetizer duo. A Glass of Chianti: The fruity and earthy notes in a glass of Chianti harmonize with the flavors in the Caprese Quick Bread, turning your meal into a true Italian feast. Indulge in these pairings to craft a memorable dining experience that celebrates the deliciousness of your Savory Caprese Quick Bread! Caprese Quick Bread Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine as you experiment with these delightful twists to make this bread uniquely yours! Cheese Swaps: Use provolone, fontina, or feta for different flavors that excite your taste buds. Each cheese brings its character, so why not mix and match for a fun bread adventure? Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach or zucchini to elevate nutrition and moisture. Incorporating veggies not only enhances flavor but adds lovely texture—a wonderful surprise in every slice! Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a healthier option. This twist results in a denser, nuttier loaf that’s equally delicious and wholesome. Herb Infusion: Mix in thyme or oregano for a fragrant herb twist. These herbs create a lovely aroma and pair beautifully with the classic Caprese flavors. Heat It Up: Toss in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This adds a thrilling dimension to your bread and is perfect for those who love a bit of heat! Add a Sweet Touch: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of honey into the batter for a hint of sweetness that beautifully contrasts with savory ingredients. Experiment with Oils: Swap olive oil for a flavored oil, such as garlic or basil-infused oil, to deepen the overall taste. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference! Pairing Ideas: Enjoy your Caprese Quick Bread alongside a hearty soup or salad, like a warm bowl of Honey Butter Cornbread or a refreshing slice of Zucchini Bread Lemon, for a delightful culinary experience. Each variation brings a new dimension to this Caprese Quick Bread, ensuring there’s always something exciting with each bake! Expert Tips for Caprese Quick Bread Gentle Mixing: Avoid over-mixing your batter to ensure a light, fluffy texture. Aim for a few lumps—this keeps the Caprese Quick Bread tender. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Old or wilted ingredients can dull the vibrant taste of the bread. Tomato Handling: Lightly fold in the tomatoes to prevent them from breaking apart. Crushing them can lead to a soggy texture in your lovely loaf. Bake Time Check: Start checking your bread around 40 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, and you want the bread golden but not overbaked, so keep an eye on it! Cooling Matters: Don’t skip the cooling step in the pan! Allowing it to rest helps the Caprese Quick Bread maintain its shape and structure when you slice it. Make Ahead Options These Savory Caprese Quick Breads are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and keeping them stored separately in an airtight container. The wet ingredients (eggs, milk, and olive oil) can be mixed and refrigerated, combining them just before baking to ensure freshness. The add-ins like cherry tomatoes and mozzarella can be chopped in advance as well; just be sure to keep them refrigerated to prevent spoilage. When you’re ready to bake, simply mix the wet and dry ingredients, fold in the add-ins, and follow the baking instructions for a delightful, freshly baked loaf anytime! Caprese Quick Bread Recipe FAQs How should I select ripe tomatoes for the Caprese Quick Bread? Absolutely! Choose cherry tomatoes that are vibrant in color and feel firm to the touch. Look for ones without dark spots or blemishes, as these could indicate overripeness. It makes a huge difference in flavor when you use the freshest ingredients! What’s the best way to store leftovers of Caprese Quick Bread? Very simple! Store the Caprese Quick Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, I recommend wrapping it tightly and placing it in the fridge for the same duration or freezing it for up to 3 months. Can I freeze Caprese Quick Bread, and how should I do it? Absolutely! To freeze, slice the cooled Caprese Quick Bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. What should I do if my Caprese Quick Bread comes out too dense? If your bread is dense, there are a couple of troubleshooting tips! First, it might be due to overmixing the batter, which can lead to gluten development. Make sure to mix until just combined. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh; expired or old baking powder doesn’t provide the rise you need. Lastly, ensure that you didn’t accidentally press down on the dough when mixing in the add-ins. What dietary considerations should I keep in mind when making this recipe? For those with allergies, I’m happy to share some substitutions! This Caprese Quick Bread is vegetarian and can easily be made dairy-free by using almond or soy milk instead of whole milk and ensuring your cheese is dairy-alternative. Additionally, if you’re making this for pets, avoid the bread since ingredients like garlic powder can be harmful to them. Can I make variations to Caprese Quick Bread? Very much so! You can swap out the mozzarella for provolone or feta for different flavor profiles. Adding veggies like spinach or zucchini will not only enhance the freshness but also boost nutrition. For a healthier option, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Savory Caprese Quick Bread: Your New Favorite Snack Delight This Caprese Quick Bread is a simple yet flavorful savory snack packed with basil, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: SnacksCuisine: ItalianCalories: 170 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Bread Base2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser texture2 teaspoons baking powder acts as the leavening agent1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon black pepperFor the Wet Mixture2 large eggs binds ingredients1 cup whole milk can be replaced with almond or soy milk1/4 cup olive oil can substitute melted butterFor the Flavorful Add-Ins1 cup cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness1 cup mozzarella cheese can substitute with provolone or feta1/4 cup fresh basil provides fragrant herbal brightnessFor the Topping1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory crust Equipment 9x5 inch loaf panMixing bowlsWhiskspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until blended.In a separate bowl, beat the large eggs lightly. Add the whole milk and olive oil, whisking until smooth.Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.Fold in the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, being careful not to crush the tomatoes.Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.Slice and enjoy your delicious Caprese Quick Bread warm or at room temperature. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, use fresh ingredients and avoid over-mixing for a light, fluffy texture. Allow cooling before slicing to maintain shape. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
