Description
This Caprese Garlic Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring ciabatta bread topped with garlic butter, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic reduction. It’s perfect for sharing and brings the classic flavors of a Caprese salad to a warm, cheesy bread base.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Toppings
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread, horizontally cut in half
- 12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Balsamic Reduction
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place both halves of the ciabatta bread, cut side up, on a large baking sheet to prepare for toasting.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the salted butter with the minced garlic. Mix well until the garlic is evenly incorporated into the butter.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the ciabatta bread, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Mozzarella: Arrange the mozzarella slices over the buttered bread halves, covering the surface completely to create a cheesy base.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and started to bubble.
- Make Balsamic Reduction: While the bread bakes, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the vinegar is reduced by half and has thickened into a syrupy consistency, approximately 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Bread: Once the bread is removed from the oven, top it evenly with the sliced tomatoes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the assembled bread. Cut the caprese garlic bread into 8 slices and serve warm for a savory, fresh appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute ciabatta with other crusty bread such as baguette or sourdough for variation.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, roast minced garlic before mixing into the butter.
- Use fresh, quality mozzarella for best melting and flavor.
- The balsamic reduction can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Serve immediately after drizzling the balsamic reduction to keep the bread crispy.
