Dessert

Caprese Garlic Bread Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

Caprese Garlic Bread is a delightful twist on classic garlic bread, layered with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, this easy appetizer brings all the bright flavors of a Caprese salad to a crispy, cheesy snack perfect for gatherings or weeknight treats.

The dish shows several slices of a flatbread with three clear layers: the bottom is a thick, soft bread with a pale yellow color, the middle layer is white melted cheese, and the top layer consists of bright red tomato slices topped with fresh green basil leaves and drizzles of dark balsamic glaze. The flatbread pieces are placed close to each other on a white plate, all set on a white marbled surface. The textures of the bread look soft and porous, while the tomatoes are juicy and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion salt
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
2 large Roma tomatoes
5 ounces balsamic glaze
¼ cup fresh basil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 ℉ and prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Using a serrated knife, cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place it cut side up on the baking sheet.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, onion salt, kosher salt, and ground pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Slice the fresh mozzarella thinly if it’s not already sliced, ensuring even coverage over the bread.
Step 5: Spread the seasoned butter mixture evenly over the bread, then layer the mozzarella slices closely on top.
Step 6: Bake the bread for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt.
Step 7: While the bread bakes, thinly slice the Roma tomatoes and chop the fresh basil.
Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Arrange the tomato slices over the melted cheese, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with basil.
Step 9: Cut the bread into 1½ to 2-inch pieces and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the bread with garlic-infused olive oil instead of butter.
Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter bite and more vibrant color.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Fresh mozzarella can be replaced with burrata for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftover Caprese Garlic Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 ℉ oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispness and melt the cheese slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows two slices of toasted bread topped with three layers: the bottom layer is light golden toasted bread with a slightly rough texture, the middle layer consists of smooth, white melted mozzarella cheese, and the top layer features bright red tomato slices evenly spaced across the bread. On top of the tomatoes, there are small green basil leaves scattered, and the whole toast is drizzled with a dark balsamic glaze that creates contrast against the cheese and tomatoes. In the background, there are two whole red tomatoes and additional slices of the same toast on a white wooden surface. The setting is on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the butter mixture and slice the mozzarella and tomatoes in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the bread just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.

What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use a reduced balsamic vinegar or a balsamic vinaigrette, though the glaze offers a thicker consistency and sweeter flavor that complements the dish well.