Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
Meet your new go-to savory bake: the Caprese Quick Bread Recipe. It takes everything we love about the timeless Caprese salad—plush mozzarella, juicy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil—then wraps it up in a tender, golden loaf that’s as perfect at brunch as it is for summer picnics or cozying up with soup. There’s so much flavor in every slice, and the crumb is rich without ever feeling heavy. Whether you’re a bread-baking beginner or a seasoned whiz, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this beauty comes together and steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk simple, soul-satisfying ingredients—each one in this Caprese Quick Bread Recipe is easy to find, but they all play a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. What you see is what you get: a loaf that puts every brilliant ingredient front and center.
- All purpose flour: The backbone of our bread, giving the loaf its soft yet sturdy structure.
- Bread flour: Adds a touch of chew and a bit more rise to balance the quick-bread style.
- Baking powder: Provides the main lift, so you get that lovely domed top and tender softness.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to encourage extra rise and ensure the crumb stays delicate.
- Salt: Just the right amount to make all the other flavors pop.
- Cubed fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts into pools of gooey goodness with every bite—don’t skimp!
- Chopped fresh basil: Gives the quintessential Caprese fragrance and a burst of garden green.
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not packed): Adds a sweet-tangy punch and beautiful red flecks throughout the loaf.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and help with that gorgeous golden-brown top.
- Grape-seed oil (or extra virgin olive oil): Keeps the loaf super moist and lends a subtle richness.
- Buttermilk: Acts as the ultimate tenderizer and brings a light tang that elevates the whole experience.
How to Make Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F and give an 8×4 inch bread pan a thorough greasing. This ensures easy release after baking—nobody wants to lose any golden edges to sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, bread flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good stir, making sure everything is well distributed. This sets the foundation for the Caprese Quick Bread Recipe and guarantees even flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Caprese Mix-ins
Toss in the cubed mozzarella, chopped basil, and sun-dried tomatoes right into your dry ingredients. Stir until they’re evenly coated in flour—this little trick prevents them from sinking to the bottom and keeps that classic Caprese flavor throughout your loaf.
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grape-seed (or olive) oil, and buttermilk until smooth. This wet mixture is the magic that brings the dough together, adding richness and an incredible crumb to your Caprese Quick Bread Recipe.
Step 5: Combine and Stir Gently
Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix until everything just comes together. The dough should be sticky and streaked with color from the basil and sun-dried tomatoes—don’t overmix or your bread might turn tough.
Step 6: Fill Your Pan
Scoop the sticky batter into your prepared bread pan. Use a spatula or the back of your spoon to spread the dough evenly—don’t worry if it looks a little rustic, that’s part of the charm!
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean (except for a little cheese goo). The top will be deeply golden and your kitchen will smell like an Italian bakery crossed with a summer garden.
How to Serve Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a scatter of flaky sea salt just after baking makes every slice look as dreamy as it tastes. For an extra touch, drizzle with a few drops of good-quality olive oil or a balsamic glaze before serving.
Side Dishes
This Caprese Quick Bread Recipe is divine with tomato soup or a crisp green salad. It pairs beautifully with antipasti platters, or as an accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken—truly, anything that could use an herby, cheesy, sun-kissed lift.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing it into small rectangles for appetizers at your next get-together, or serve toasted with a slather of pesto. For brunch or picnics, wrap slices in parchment for a portable treat, or use them as the base for a new take on open-faced sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Caprese Quick Bread tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and it stays moist and tender, thanks to the buttermilk and cheese.
Freezing
This bread freezes splendidly! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly before tucking it into a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just defrost overnight in the fridge or gently on the counter.
Reheating
To reheat, toast slices in a dry skillet until warm and just crispy at the edges, or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This revives the crust and re-melts the mozzarella for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes have a much higher water content and can make the bread soggy. For the classic taste and best texture in the Caprese Quick Bread Recipe, stick to sun-dried tomatoes, preferably those that aren’t packed in oil.
What if I don’t have bread flour?
No problem at all! Simply use an extra cup of all purpose flour in place of bread flour. The Caprese Quick Bread Recipe will still rise beautifully and have a tender crumb.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the flours for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure—you might notice a little less rise, but the flavors absolutely shine through.
What type of mozzarella is best?
Fresh mozzarella is essential here—its mild, milky flavor and soft texture turn gooey as the bread bakes, creating those classic Caprese pockets. Avoid pre-shredded kinds, which often contain anti-caking agents that won’t melt as nicely.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean—melty cheese might cling, but there shouldn’t be any raw batter. If in doubt, add a few more minutes and check again!
Final Thoughts
When you’re craving something inspiringly savory, tender, and utterly satisfying, the Caprese Quick Bread Recipe always delivers. Whether you serve it alongside dinner, pack it for a picnic, or share it with a friend over coffee, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try—you’ll love both making and sharing every flavorful bite!
Print
Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caprese Quick Bread recipe is a delightful savory twist on classic bread, featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
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 (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×4-inch bread pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in basil, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and buttermilk.
- Combine and Mix: Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined (dough will be sticky).
- Bake: Transfer the dough to the bread pan, spread evenly, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Notes
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Caprese Quick Bread, Savory Bread Recipe, Fresh Mozzarella Bread
