This Toasted Caprese Garlic Bread is made with hints of garlic and topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese!
Today we’re talkin’ about fresh summer flavors.
Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Can you guess where I’m going with this?
One of my favorite dishes that forward to eating every summer are those filled with caprese flavors. The combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella makes my heart skip a beat every single time. Throw in a balsamic drizzle and I’ll happily munch on this food all day long.
Although caprese salads and sandwiches are available year round, they just seem to taste better when the produce is ripe from the summer sun. A
nd that goes along with pretty much all fruits and veggies, right? Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are just ripe for the pickin’!
Which leads me to this Toasted Caprese Garlic Bread. Fresh bread, toasted with hints of garlic, is topped with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. It makes for the perfect appetizer, side dish, or late night snack.
And if your a caprese lover like me, then this bread was made for you!
Not only is this Toasted Caprese Garlic Bread full of flavor, but it’s also brimming with pretty pops of color. The age-old saying, “you eat with your eyes” is definitely the case for me. However, the loaded flavor is even better!
The bread is lightly brushed with olive oil and garlic, and then piled with sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
One bite of this crunchy bread and your tastebuds will have a party. This bread is just about the best kind that I’ve ever had. And I’m not just saying that because I made it, pinky swear!
And like most of my recipes, this Toasted Caprese Garlic Bread is so easy to whip up! Whether you’re making this as a side to go along with dinner or want to impress a hungry group, this bread is sure to do to just the trick!
So the next time you’re in the mood for those tasty caprese flavors, why not make this easy Toasted Caprese Garlic Bread? Guaranteed to be the life of the party, you will be making this all year long!
Looking for more caprese recipes? I’ve got you covered!
Toasted Caprese Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread cut in half
- 8 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 tablespoons garlic powder divided
- 24 ounces fresh Mozzarella cheese sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar glaze I found in the vinegar section of my grocery store
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place bread on a large baking pan.
- Drizzle each half with 4 tablespoons olive oil, followed by 2 tablespoons garlic powder. Top each half with Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until cheese is just melted.
- Remove from oven and top each half with tomato slices, salt, pepper, and basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze over tops of bread. Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
Love anything caprese! This garlic bread looks divine, Gayle! Loving the balsamic glaze – so good.
Gayle says
Thanks so much, Jess!
Mir says
Your post just made me realize that I haven’t had garlic bread in forever! And definitely never garlic bread this good. What have I been eating?! Must try it this way. It’s a total upgrade on the typical garlic bread, too!
Gayle says
I like your thinking, Mir! This garlic bread just got a major upgrade! 🙂
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Gayle – What a beautiful bread. I would have never thought to enjoy garlic bread this way, but now it’s all I want. 😀
Gayle says
Thank you, Erin! It’s my new favorite way to eat garlic bread!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Gayle, this caprese garlic bread looks delicious! I would gladly munch on this all day long too! Pinned!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the caprese love and pin, Rachelle!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Gayle, I love this caprese garlic bread!!!! what a great idea!!! and love eating these in the summer when fresh, ripe tomatoes are everywhere! so fresh! love this!
Gayle says
Thank you, Alice!
Ali says
I love caprese salads! I could eat one just about everyday, but I’ve never thought to pair it on some garlic toast. Looks delicious!
Gayle says
I could definitely eat caprese salads every day too, Ali! This bread is such a fun twist on the classic dish!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
This is the perfect appetizer, Gayle! So colorful and tasty!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelly!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Caprese any and EVERYTHING I say. Umm…this garlic bread pretty much has me speechless. Because I’m too buy imagining my mouth full of that entire gorgeous loaf. This looks seriously INSANE, Gayle! Pinned!
Gayle says
Thanks for the caprese love and pin, Sarah! I’m all about anything caprese flavored, too!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Looks delicious, Gayle! I crave anything Caprese flavored at this time of year, and I’m always looking for new ways to use up some of our fresh herbs and tomatoes from the garden. I’ll be serving this as soon as our veggies are ripe! 🙂
Gayle says
Thank you, Blair! Caprese anything is definitely a weekly staple in my household!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Your garlic bread is gorgeous, Gayle! I love caprese anything and totally agree that it tastes better with fresh, summery tomatoes and herbs. And with that balsamic drizzle – so delicious!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelly! I love caprese anything in the summer!
Heather - Butter & Burlap says
I swear, I don’t know of anything that tastes as good as caprese… but put it on this garlic bread and you’ve made a meal out of it! How did you make that balsamic glaze? Great recipe!
Gayle says
I totally agree, Heather! The balsamic glaze that I used in this recipe is actually a bottle of glaze that I found at my grocery store! 🙂
Jen says
This garlic bread looks delicious! I would happily munch on this for lunch.
Gayle says
Thank you, Jen!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
This garlic bread looks unreal, Gayle!!! I haven’t had a good garlic bread in what feels like forever!!! 🙂 I love the tomatoes on top and that gorgeous balsamic reduction (I have such a soft pot for balsamic glaze!) Hope your week is off to a great start, pinning!! 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words and pin, Ceara! Happy Monday! 🙂
marcie says
You know, I could eat Caprese anything every day and never get tired of it. I love that you made garlic bread out of it, and your photos are just stunning, Gayle! Pinned, of course!
Gayle says
Same with me, Marcie! I love caprese anything. Thanks so much for the kind words and pin!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
This has taste-bud party written all over it! You know these are at the top of my favorite flavor list! Well done, Gayle!
Gayle says
Thanks, Annie! Definitely a great party for the taste buds!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Those tomatoes look heavenly and combining cheese + caprese + garlic bread is everyone’s dream come true! 🙂 Pinning!
Gayle says
Thanks for the caprese love and pin, Medha!
Katalina @ Peas and Peonies says
Love everything abo this recipe, the ice twist of making it a sandwich, the bright and juicy tomatoes and that balsamic glaze!
Gayle says
Thanks, Katalina! This bread is definitely a fun way to change up a classic caprese salad!
Harriet Emily says
This bread is so beautiful! It has to be the ultimate garlic bread recipe. I love the additions of mozzarella, tomatoes and balsamic too – it’s pure food heaven! I could just eat them all right now!!!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the sweet words, Harriet Emily!
mira says
Love anything Caprese ! This bread looks amazing! Such a great idea, need to make it! I’ve been looking at the fresh basil in my garden and thinking to make Caprese salad, but I’ll try this bread instead!
Gayle says
Oh I would love to have fresh basil, Mira! I hope you love this bread if you try it!
Linda @ Veganosity says
LOVE caprese salad! I have perfected my vegan mozzarella so I’m making this for dinner tonight. Thanks Gayle!
Gayle says
Thanks, Linda! I hope you love this if you try it!
Zainab says
I think caprese needs to be the way of life this summer!! Just love the fresh and easy flavors on this bread 🙂
Gayle says
I totally agree, Zainab! Thanks!
Cailee says
YUM! This looks amazing! So fresh and delicious! Def perfect for this time of year! Thanks Gayle!
Gayle says
I’m all about caprese in the summer, Cailee! Thanks!
Sam@SugarSpunRun says
This looks amazing Gayle! I need some of this in my life ASAP! Fortunately I have some basil and tomatoes growing in my garden right now 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Sam! Sounds like this bread is perfect for you!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
this looks so fresh! love this recipe Gayle!
Gayle says
Thanks, Manali!
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
Happy Monday Gayle! what a perfect way to start it off! this looks insanely good! I love fresh tomatoes on bread YUMMM
Gayle says
Thanks, Michele! Happy Monday to you, too! 🙂
Christina @ Bake with Christina says
Mmm that garlic bread looks awesome!! And I totally love the caprese variation you did – yum!! Pinned 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks for the caprese love and pin, Christina!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
This is just BRILLIANT. Love it! Shared! 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Ashley!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
This sounds amazing Gayle! And looks like summer! Something about tomatoes, basil and mozza in the summer, you just can’t beat it!
Gayle says
I definitely agree, Stacey! Thanks!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I’m a caprese addict too, Gayle! This is like a cross between grilled cheese and pizza – but with hardly any effort. Can’t really go wrong! 🙂
Gayle says
Yes! It’s one of the best ways to eat caprese, Helen! Thanks!
Savita @ ChefDeHome says
I agree, fruit taste best when in season and are ripe. You can even tell from the fragrance! PS: capress bread sounds very delicious, Gayle! love the color!
Gayle says
Thanks, Savita! I love the colors and flavors, too!
Senika @ Foodie Blog Stalker says
Bread that makes a statement, yow! It’s gorgeous and I cannot wait to taste the deliciousness! Caprese + bread = heaven 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words, Senika!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
This is such a fun twist on garlic bread and the colors are stunning!
Pinning! Is it bad that I just want to eat this by itself for dinner tonight? lol I am such a carb lover!
Gayle says
Thanks, Mariah! I did eat this bread for lunch one day, it was just SO good!
Danielle says
This bread is seriously genius! I love how easy it is to whip up too, Gayle. I’d totally eat this entire thing and not even feel guilty haha 😉
Gayle says
Thanks, Danielle! I think the tomatoes qualify this as a “healthier” food…right? 🙂
Michelle { A Latte Food } says
I love this idea! This recipe looks absolutely incredible! I could probably (definitely) take down all of these!
Gayle says
Thanks, Michelle!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Caprese makes my heart sing! This bread looks amazing Gayle!
Gayle says
Thank you, Alyssa!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
So wish I had this to snack on right now. Genius idea! Love it and pinned it! 😉
Gayle says
Thanks for the sweet words and pin, Cyndi!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
This looks like a delicious snack or lunch. I love caprese salads. This looks like a fun way to serve it!!
Gayle says
Sounds like this bread was made for you, Renee! Thanks!
katie says
Your pictures are gorgeous Gayle! This Caprese Garlic Bead is perfect for a summer meal!!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the caprese love, Katie!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
What a summery garlic bread! Looks so delicious and filling enough to be a meal by itself!
Gayle says
Thanks, Christin!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh.My. This caprese garlic bread is EVERYTHING! Fresh summer flavors is right! I am swooning over your combination of caprese salad with crispy, crunchy garlic bread. Stellar! I need this! Thanks for sharing… and for making me very hungry!!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Cheyanne! This is definitely my favorite bread for the summer!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
This looks wonderful Gayle! Love caprese salad. Love it even better on toasted garlic bread!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelley!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Oh my, this looks amazing. Fresh summer tomatoes are the BEST! I wait all year for caprese EVERYTHING! I’ll definitely have to try this idea with some of my garden tomatoes this summer! 🙂
Gayle says
Yes! I’m in love with garden grown tomatoes. It definitely makes everything better, especially this bread! Thanks for the caprese love, Jess!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
You have me drooling over here Gayle! And I even have all the ingredients for these in my house right now! This might be the perfect dish for summer : )
Gayle says
Thanks, Natalie! I’ve made this more than once, it’s just SO good!
Ashley says
Caprese definitely tastes best in the summer! Love this garlic bread – it sounds absolutely fantastic!!
Gayle says
Thanks, Ashley!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
Great minds think alike! I posted a caprese recipe this week too! Go us!
Gayle says
Caprese is the best! Thanks, Shelby!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
Gayle I can so see myself having this as my breakfast, lunch & dinner!! Looks so fresh & perfect for this hot weather!
Gayle says
Yes! It definitely makes the perfect meal any time of the day! 🙂
Izzy says
Whoever came up with the idea of caprese is a genius. The flavors are so good and this garlic bad looks like the perfect way to enjoy them!
Gayle says
Thanks, Izzy!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
Oh, my goodness! This bread is absolutely gorgeous looking! I love anything caprese as well. And sun ripened veggies and fruit are way better than anything from the store. Now I need a trip to the farmer’s market stat!!!!
Gayle says
Thank you, Jocelyn!
Ambar says
Love this recipe! I always dice my tomatoes but this way is way better & less messy.
Gayle says
Thanks, Ambar!
Lei K. says
I just made this for a light dinner and we absolutely will be making it again-loved it!!!
Gayle says
Hi Lei! I’m so glad you loved it! It’s a favorite of mine too, especially in the summer. Thanks for letting me know how it turned out!