You’re Driving me Caprese…. Bread that is

Caprese Bread is a delicious and visually appealing bread that combines the flavors of the classic Caprese salad with freshly baked bread. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Caprese Bread from scratch. Get ready to enjoy the wonderful aroma of baking bread and the delightful taste of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil all in one bite.

To start, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of fresh mozzarella, diced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Now, let’s begin the baking process.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
7. In a small bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, torn basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, pressing it down slightly.
8. Drizzle the top of the bread with extra virgin olive oil.
9. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
11. Slice the Caprese Bread and serve it warm. You can enjoy it as is or drizzle it with more olive oil for extra flavor.

Caprese Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat the bread in the oven or toaster before serving to revive its crispiness.

Indulge in the heavenly combination of flavors as the tomatoes and mozzarella melt into the warm bread, while the aromatic basil adds a touch of freshness. This Caprese Bread will surely impress your family and friends, making it a perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Happy baking!

Note: there are several different variations you can do. This is one of mine.