I’ve always loved recipes that bring people together effortlessly, and this Caprese Quick Bread is one of my favorites. I remember the first time I baked it: the aroma of fresh basil and melted cheese filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to slice it. It’s the kind of bread that makes any meal feel special, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight.
You will love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s a perfect combination of soft, savory bread with the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Each bite delivers a burst of taste that feels indulgent without being heavy. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a side for soups and salads, or even enjoy it on its own as a snack. It pairs beautifully with a light drizzle of olive oil or a balsamic reduction.
Another reason this recipe is a winner is its affordability. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and won’t break the bank. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen. It’s a recipe that feels gourmet but costs very little to make, making it ideal for everyday cooking or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients for Caprese Quick Bread:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup diced ripe tomatoes
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup chopped fresh basil
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¼ cup chopped chicken ham
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¼ cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
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¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons milk
This combination of ingredients creates a bread that is moist, flavorful, and slightly savory, with the perfect balance between the soft crumb and the richness of the cheese and meat. Each slice is bursting with texture and taste, making it impossible to resist.
Preparing this Caprese Quick Bread is straightforward, yet it delivers impressive results that make every bite memorable. The recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and customizable, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned cooks.
How to Prepare This Recipe
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Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a standard loaf pan with a bit of olive oil or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick. This simple step guarantees that your bread will come out cleanly and retain its shape. -
Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Using a whisk helps prevent clumps and guarantees that your bread will rise evenly. -
Prepare the add-ins
Dice 1 cup of ripe tomatoes, shred 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, chop ½ cup of fresh basil, and set aside. Cook ¼ cup of turkey bacon until crisp and crumble it. Chop ¼ cup of chicken ham into small pieces. Having all these ingredients ready before mixing helps the preparation go smoothly. -
Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk until fully combined, creating a smooth mixture that will give the bread a moist texture. -
Incorporate the wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it may make the bread dense rather than light and fluffy. -
Add the flavorful ingredients
Fold in the diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, chopped basil, turkey bacon, and chicken ham. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step ensures every slice of bread will have a consistent, delicious flavor. -
Transfer the batter to the pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Slightly pressing the mixture down helps it bake evenly and prevents large air pockets from forming. -
Bake the bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few melted cheese crumbs. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at the 45-minute mark. -
Cool before slicing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling prevents the bread from becoming soggy and makes slicing easier. Slice it after it has cooled slightly for the best texture.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor or sun-dried tomatoes for an intense taste.
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Substitute part of the mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper, tangy flavor.
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Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried oregano to the dry ingredients for extra aroma.
Customizable Variations
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For a vegetarian version, remove the chicken ham and turkey bacon.
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Incorporate olives or roasted red peppers to add depth of flavor.
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Try different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
Popular With Many People
This Caprese Quick Bread is a crowd-pleaser at brunches, dinner parties, and casual get-togethers. Its combination of fresh tomatoes, melted cheese, and savory meat makes it irresistible to adults and children alike. Guests often ask for seconds because it has a balanced flavor and a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
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Caprese Quick Bread – Your New Favorite Savory Bread Recipe
This Caprese Quick Bread combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the richness of mozzarella, chicken ham, and turkey bacon. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped chicken ham
- ¼ cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a standard loaf pan with olive oil or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Dice the tomatoes, shred the mozzarella, chop the basil, crumble the cooked turkey bacon, and chop the chicken ham. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt or buttermilk, eggs, olive oil, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Gently fold in the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, turkey bacon, and chicken ham until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few melted cheese crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
Pat the tomatoes dry to prevent excess moisture.
For a vegetarian version, omit chicken ham and turkey bacon.
Add garlic powder, dried oregano, or other herbs to enhance flavor.
Slice once slightly cooled to maintain structure.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Baking it fresh the next day will still yield moist, flavorful bread.
2. Can I freeze Caprese Quick Bread?
Absolutely. Once fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.
3. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella is traditional, but you can substitute with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a different flavor profile. Using a combination of cheeses can add depth and richness.
4. How do I keep the bread from being soggy?
Ensure you drain any excess moisture from the tomatoes and pat them dry before adding them to the batter. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make it dense and less airy.
5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken ham and turkey bacon. Adding extra vegetables like roasted peppers, zucchini, or olives keeps it flavorful and satisfying.