Hosting a dinner party or seeking a fun snack? Break out this easy, classic appetizer topped with melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil.
In my Italian-American family, everybody loves two appetizers: caprese salad and garlic bread. If these two recipes could have a baby, this caprese garlic bread recipe would be it! This dish is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it in the first place. Made with crispy bread, melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, this dish is an excellent starter or snack, depending on your mood and the occasion.
If your family is anything like mine, they’re already craving a meal before dinner is served. That’s why Italians invented antipasto, which means “before the meal” and refers to a wide variety of small but satisfying dishes that can hold you over until the main event. Caprese garlic bread is an excellent example that can be cut into smaller pieces for ease of eating and sharing. But it doesn’t only make a good starter—it can also be a delicious sidekick to pasta, salad, meatloaf, and all kinds of main dishes. If it seems like it would be in Nonna’s cookbook, it’ll go great with caprese garlic bread.
My uncle usually pairs this dish with a bottle of red wine, but you’d be surprised how refreshing white wine is with it, too. If you want the full Italian experience, try caprese garlic bread with your favorite wine. And for those who don’t drink alcohol, virgin ciders or grape juice work just as well.
The best bread for this dish
While this recipe calls for Italian bread, there are many types of Italian bread to choose from. I like to visit my local grocery store bakery to get the freshest loaf possible. Often, there’s a selection of Italian bread, with specific options like ciabatta or focaccia. Ciabatta works wonderfully for caprese garlic bread because it’s long, broad, and flat—perfect for holding an array of toppings. You can also try French bread, which is light, crusty, and ideal for toast like this. Just make sure to slice it horizontally in half so you get long pieces that can hold all the toppings.
How do I store leftovers?
Caprese garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster oven—without basil—at 300°F for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts again and the bread is lightly toasted. Add fresh basil and a new drizzle of balsamic vinegar after reheating for the best flavor. Freezing is not recommended, as it will affect the texture of the bread and toppings.
Serving suggestions
Pair caprese garlic bread with a refreshing Wine Spritzer or this Lemonade Recipe. Then dish out some classics like Arancini, Prosciutto And Melon, Italian Salad, or a meze platter full of cheese, fruit, and crackers. The more variety, the better.
Or serve it as a side to Baked Eggplant Parmesan, Spaghetti Squash Lasagna, Italian Meatloaf and Steamed Potatoes, or Antipasto Salad. In Italian homes, if you’re not full, you’re not done yet!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 loaf Italian bread such as ciabatta, horizontally cut in half
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Mix the softened butter with the garlic until well combined.
- Place the halved bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the bread, then layer the sliced mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the bread for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the bread begin to brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven.
- Top the toasted bread with the sliced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top, and garnish with the basil. Slice and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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