Savory Caprese Bread : Fresh and Flavorful

If you love the flavors of a caprese salad — creamy mozzarella, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil — then you’re going to fall in love with Savory Caprese Bread. This quick bread takes everything you adore about the Italian classic and bakes it into a soft, moist loaf that’s perfect for spring and summer meals.

I first stumbled upon this idea after harvesting a bumper crop of basil one summer. While caprese salad is a favorite at our house, I wanted to create something more portable, more shareable — something that would hold up well on a picnic table, at a potluck, or sliced next to a hearty bowl of tomato soup. Enter: this no-yeast, savory bread that brings the essence of Italy to every bite.

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🧀 What is Savory Caprese Bread?

Savory Caprese Bread is a quick bread — meaning it uses baking powder instead of yeast — flavored with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and shredded mozzarella cheese. It has a tender crumb, a golden crust, and bursts of cheesy, herby flavor in every slice.

Unlike traditional sweet breads, this one leans into umami and freshness. Serve it warm with olive oil, toasted with a fried egg, or as a side to soup or salad — it’s incredibly versatile.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes 8 slices and uses an 8×4-inch loaf pan.

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

Add-ins:

• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• Optional: pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick

⏱️ Baking Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yields: 8 slices

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, olive oil, and yogurt until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.

4. Combine and Fold

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix. Fold in mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.

5. Bake

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

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🔢 Nutrition Info (Per Slice)

• Calories: ~220
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 18g
• Protein: 7g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

🌟 Tips for Perfect Caprese Bread

• Use fresh basil for the best flavor. Dried basil won’t provide the same bright, herbal notes.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are softer and more flavorful than dry-packed — just drain well before using.
• For a golden crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little olive oil before baking.
• Customize it with grated Parmesan, feta crumbles, or a swirl of pesto in the batter.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• As a side with tomato soup or minestrone
• Toasted with eggs for breakfast
• With a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh tomatoes
• Cubed into savory bread pudding
• As a sandwich base with turkey and arugula

🌍 Italian-American Flavor Fusion

Savory Caprese Bread brings the garden-fresh essence of Italy into the comforting, rustic style of American quick breads. It’s the best of both worlds: fast, simple, and deeply satisfying.

🔗 More Recipes to Try

• Savory Tomato Basil Muffins
• Herbed Cheese Quick Bread
• Basil Pesto Flatbread
• Cheesy Italian Loaf

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Fresh tomatoes have more moisture and may affect the texture. Stick with sun-dried for best results.

How do I store leftovers?

Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a toaster or skillet for best flavor.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, slice and freeze individually for up to 2 months. Thaw and toast when ready to serve.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Savory Caprese Bread is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for garden season, potlucks, or cozy summer lunches. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and a beautiful celebration of the fresh, bold ingredients we all love from a caprese salad.

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