Description
This delicious Caprese Garlic Bread combines the flavors of herby garlic butter, melted fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil, finished with a sweet balsamic glaze drizzle. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, this easy-to-make recipe takes just 30 minutes and yields 8 servings of savory, melty delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
Base
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread (sliced in half)
Toppings
- 12 oz fresh mozzarella (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced)
- handful fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
- generous drizzle of balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp dried basil. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform garlic herb butter mixture.
- Spread on Bread: Place the two halves of the crusty Italian bread, cut sides up, on the prepared baking sheet. Generously spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of the bread.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly distribute the 12 oz of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella over the buttered bread halves. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is lightly toasted and golden.
- Assemble: Remove the baked bread from the oven and transfer it carefully to a serving surface. Layer the thinly sliced 2 medium tomatoes evenly over the melted cheese, sprinkle the fresh sliced basil leaves on top, and finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture, use a crusty Italian or French bread.
- You can prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Adjust garlic quantities to your taste preference for milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar or store-bought for convenience.
- This recipe is best served warm to enjoy melted mozzarella and fresh toppings.
