Caprese Quick Bread Recipe
Caprese Quick Bread Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, turning your favorite flavors into a savory loaf that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dish that captures the essence of summer with every bite, this recipe is your answer. With its vibrant ingredients, this quick bread is easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Get ready for a flavorful adventure with this step-by-step guide!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Caprese Quick Bread. First and foremost, it brings together the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil, the creamy richness of mozzarella, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. This combination will take your taste buds on a delightful journey!
This recipe is designed with ease in mind. With minimal preparation time and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or an impromptu gathering. Moreover, it’s family-friendly! Your little ones might just find joy in helping out as they mix ingredients or watch the bread rise in the oven. Plus, who can resist the warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes?
Ingredients
To create this lovely Caprese Quick Bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3½-4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (dry-packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ tablespoons grapeseed oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
These ingredients come together to create a stunning loaf with a welcoming aroma and an appealing texture, making it a standout addition to your recipe repertoire.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter. Using butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich flavor and helps create a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender interior.
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In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial—it ensures that all leavening agents are evenly distributed, helping to avoid any dense spots in your finished loaf.
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Gently fold in the cubed mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Coat each piece with the flour mixture to prevent sinking during baking, which guarantees that every slice will have a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and buttermilk until completely smooth and slightly frothy. Using room temperature ingredients not only facilitates blending but also creates a cohesive batter that yields a light, fluffy bread.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together just until combined. Be sure not to overmix; a few lumps will actually help achieve a tender texture in your finished bread.
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Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently. A light tap on the counter helps to eliminate air bubbles, ensuring even baking throughout.
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Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your bread is done!
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Cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes to prevent it from sticking, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. Be sure to let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture and cleanest cuts.
Tips & Tricks
- Customize Your Cheese: While mozzarella is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as feta or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate ingredients like spinach or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding other herbs like oregano or thyme for a new twist on flavors.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Caprese Quick Bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways. As a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with soups, especially tomato basil or roasted garlic soup. For a simple meal, enjoy it alongside a fresh arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
You can also serve this bread with an antipasto platter, filled with cured meats, olives, and assorted cheeses, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. And if you want to indulge a little, slice it thick, toast it, and slather with garlic butter for a delectable side.
Nutritional Information
While the nutritional content will depend on specific brands and measurements used, here’s a general overview per slice (assuming 12 slices for the entire loaf):
- Calories: ~140
- Total Fat: ~5g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Cholesterol: ~30mg
- Sodium: ~200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Dietary Fiber: ~1g
- Sugars: ~1g
- Protein: ~5g
Storing Tips & Variations for Caprese Quick Bread
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Caprese Quick Bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it will remain delicious for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply slice the bread and pop it in the toaster or wrap in foil and heat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion for Caprese Quick Bread
Caprese Quick Bread is a fantastic way to bring together the beloved flavors of a classic Caprese salad in a new, delightful form. This easy recipe is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at dinner or enjoying it as a snack. Don’t miss out on creating this scrumptious dish—it’s a culinary experience that’s just waiting for you to share it with friends and family!
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free baking flour mix designed for quick breads to create a gluten-free version.
2. How can I enhance the flavor further?
Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or even some garlic powder for an additional flavor kick.
3. Can I substitute buttermilk?
Absolutely! You can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
4. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use roasted bell peppers or even fresh tomatoes; just be mindful of excess moisture.
5. Is the Caprese Quick Bread suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s great for meal prep and can easily be sliced and stored, making it an easy addition to lunches throughout the week.
Caprese Quick Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ tablespoons grapeseed oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
Add-ins
- 3½-4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (dry-packed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold in the cubed mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Mixing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and buttermilk until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together just until combined.
Baking
- Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown.
- Cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.