Description
This Caprese Garlic Bread recipe features buttery garlic bread topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan. Ready in 25 minutes and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure both halves are stable and lying flat.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chopped fresh basil. Stir until everything is well combined and fragrant. Note: Make sure your butter is truly softened—it should be easy to stir and spreadable.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Get it all the way to the edges! This is where all that flavor comes from, so don’t be shy.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the buttered bread. Cover every inch for maximum cheesy goodness.
Arrange the halved tomatoes over the cheese, cut-side up. They’ll release their juices as they bake, creating little pockets of sweet tomato flavor.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes and mozzarella. Add a crack of black pepper if desired for a little extra zing.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—you want golden, not burnt!
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. If using, drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving for that restaurant-quality finish.
Notes
- Pat your tomato halves dry with a paper towel before adding them. This prevents excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle kick.
- If your mozzarella isn’t browning, turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes
- Slice the bread on a diagonal after baking for beautiful presentation pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian