Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a savory quick bread that brings a taste of summer to your kitchen any time of year, the Caprese Quick Bread Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine biting into a golden, tender slice that bursts with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella—it’s like your favorite salad transformed into pure comfort. Whether you’re seeking an impressive addition to brunch, a perfect companion for soups, or just a way to use up that bunch of basil on your counter, this recipe wins hearts with flavor and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Caprese Quick Bread Recipe draws its magic from a simple roster of ingredients, each bringing the classic Italian flavors to every bite. Don’t skip or swap the core trio—mozzarella, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes—as they truly define the bread’s gorgeous personality and taste.
- All Purpose Flour: The foundation for a light yet sturdy crumb that lets the other ingredients shine.
- Bread Flour: Adds a touch more chewiness, giving the bread its lovely structure and a bakery-style feel.
- Baking Powder: Essential for lift and tenderness—no yeast required here!
- Baking Soda: Adds extra rise and a subtle tang that plays well with buttermilk.
- Salt: Just enough to pull all the flavors together and keep the bread from tasting flat.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (cubed): Melts into rich pockets throughout the loaf. Aim for about 3 1/2 to 4 ounces.
- Chopped Fresh Basil: Delivers vibrant color and an herby lift that makes each bite sing.
- Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes (not packed in oil): Brings sweet-tart intensity and beautiful specks of color.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and ensuring a moist crumb.
- Grape-Seed Oil (or Olive Oil): Keeps the bread tender with a subtle, delicate flavor.
- Buttermilk: The secret to that tangy, ultra-moist texture that makes this quick bread irresistible.
How to Make Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×4 inch bread pan. This ensures your Caprese Quick Bread Recipe won’t stick and will bake up evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In your largest mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk for even blending so your bread rises just right and each bite tastes consistently seasoned.
Step 3: Toss in the Caprese Elements
Add the chopped basil, mozzarella cubes, and sun-dried tomatoes directly to the flour mixture. Gently toss everything with a fork or your hands—this step prevents the cheese and tomatoes from sinking and infuses every slice with flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs, grape-seed oil (or extra virgin olive oil if you prefer), and buttermilk until blended and slightly frothy. This helps guarantee a light crumb and even rise.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. With a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, mix until everything is just combined. Don’t over-mix—your dough will be sticky, and that’s exactly what you want for a tender Caprese Quick Bread Recipe.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Scrape the sticky dough into your prepared bread pan and spread it evenly with your spoon or spatula. Smoothing the top ensures a beautiful, bakery-worthy loaf once baked.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Slide your bread into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Start checking at the 40-minute mark—a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The bread should be deeply golden and your kitchen will smell amazing.
How to Serve Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible treat, serve your Caprese Quick Bread Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil over each thick, warm slice. You can also add a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a bit of flaky sea salt to highlight the Mediterranean flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with so many meals! Try it alongside creamy tomato soup, a bright green salad, or a plate of soft scrambled eggs for breakfast. It’s also fabulous with grilled chicken or a platter of antipasto for an Italian-inspired dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Caprese Quick Bread Recipe the star of the table? Cut it into cubes and serve as a savory snack with little cocktail picks, or toast slices and top with a dollop of whipped ricotta and an extra basil leaf for an elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the bread completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. Leftover slices retain their moisture for up to three days on the counter, making it perfect for quick snacks or lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Caprese Quick Bread Recipe later, slice the cooled loaf and freeze the slices individually wrapped. They’ll keep their flavor and freshness for up to two months—just grab and thaw what you need on busy mornings or for last-minute guests.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F until just warmed through. The mozzarella will get gooey again and the bread will taste fresh-baked—don’t use the microwave unless you’re in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella gives the classic Caprese flavor, feel free to experiment with smoked mozzarella, provolone, or even cubed fontina for a unique twist that still works beautifully in the Caprese Quick Bread Recipe.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No worries! Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 1/4 cups of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. It makes a great substitute and keeps the bread moist and tangy.
Can I make this bread gluten free?
You can substitute your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend for both the all purpose and bread flours. The texture may be a touch different, but the bread will still pack all those bright Caprese Quick Bread Recipe flavors.
Are oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes okay to use?
Yes, just pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess oil, then chop finely. The flavor will be a bit richer and you may want to slightly reduce the oil in your wet ingredients for balance.
Can I bake this as muffins instead?
Definitely! Divide the dough among greased muffin tins—reduce the baking time to around 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Mini Caprese Quick Bread Recipe muffins make a perfect party snack or lunchbox treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about pulling a homemade loaf out of the oven and knowing it’s packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. I genuinely hope you give this Caprese Quick Bread Recipe a spot in your regular rotation—it’s easy, bursting with sunshine, and always guaranteed to disappear fast!
Print
Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caprese Quick Bread recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian salad. Packed with the flavors of fresh mozzarella, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, this savory bread is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 to 4 oz cubed fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not packed)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 tbsp grape-seed oil (can use extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×4 inch bread pan.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add flavor ingredients: Mix in the basil, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes until evenly distributed.
- Whisk liquid ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and buttermilk.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until fully combined (the dough will be sticky).
- Transfer to pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared bread pan.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out clean.
Notes
- For doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Caprese Quick Bread, Italian Bread Recipe, Savory Bread, Mozzarella Bread
