If you love the classic flavors of a caprese salad — creamy mozzarella, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil — you’re going to fall head over heels for this Savory Caprese Bread. Imagine all those Italian-inspired flavors baked into a soft, moist loaf with a golden crust. It’s fresh, hearty, and absolutely perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
This quick bread is a no-yeast recipe, which means no kneading or waiting around. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, bringing it to a potluck, or pairing it with a cozy bowl of tomato soup, this loaf is as versatile as it is delicious.
🧀 What is Savory Caprese Bread?
Savory Caprese Bread is a quick bread made with baking powder instead of yeast, so it’s fast and simple. Each slice is studded with shredded mozzarella, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for bursts of cheesy, herby goodness.
Unlike sweet loaves, this bread leans into savory, umami-rich flavors, making it the ultimate side dish or snack. Serve it warm with olive oil, toasted for breakfast, or alongside your favorite Italian meal.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 1 loaf (about 8 slices) using an 8×4-inch 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 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for heat
⏱️ Baking Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 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, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
4. Combine and Fold
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix. Fold in mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
5. Bake
Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Slice
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
🔢 Nutrition Info (Per Slice)
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
(Approximate values based on 8 slices.)
🌟 Tips for Perfect Caprese Bread
- Always use fresh basil for the brightest flavor.
- Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer taste—just drain well.
- For an extra golden crust, brush the top with olive oil before baking.
- Make it your own: swirl in pesto, add Parmesan, or try feta crumbles.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with a bowl of tomato or minestrone soup.
- Toast for breakfast and top with a fried egg.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and fresh tomato slices.
- Cube into savory bread pudding or stuffing.
- Use as a sandwich base with turkey, mozzarella, and arugula.
🌍 Italian-American Flavor Fusion
This recipe combines the bright flavors of a caprese salad with the rustic comfort of American quick bread. The result? A loaf that’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and just as welcome at a picnic as it is at the dinner table.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes release too much moisture—stick with sun-dried for best results.
How should I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Toast or reheat in a skillet before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Slice and freeze individually for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or oven.
💬 Final Thoughts
Savory Caprese Bread is the kind of recipe that feels special but requires almost no effort. It’s fragrant, cheesy, herby, and guaranteed to bring a taste of Italy to your table. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or cozy nights in—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.