It is that time of year when all the tomatoes are starting to ripen on the vine – a perfect time to make gluten free caprese garlic bread! You may even have some fresh basil growing in your garden as well! It uses my Gluten Free French Bread recipe as the base and comes together in minutes. It is easily one of the most delicious and first to disappear appetizers you can bring to all your neighborhood or family BBQs this summer.
Why This Is the Appetizer You Bring to Everything
Believe me when I say: you will not bring any of this home from a party! Luscious mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, a quick chiffonade of garden basil. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and it’s a beautiful work of edible art. It’s simple, and it comes together in about 25 minutes start to finish. Your new go-to for summer BBQs, neighborhood gatherings, or any time you want to show up with something that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did.
Start with the Gluten Free French Bread
The base for this recipe is my Gluten Free French Bread, and I highly recommend making both on the same day. While the bread is still fresh, it toasts up perfectly under the broiler with a slightly crisp crust that holds all the toppings without getting soggy. Maybe you already have a loaf on hand, winner! Then this comes together even faster.
Getting That Perfect Garlic Toast
Once the bread halves come out from under the broiler, grab that clove or garlic and rub all over the top of the warm crust. Don’t push too hard or you could tear into the loaf. The heat and crusty top do most of the work and you’ll have that subtle garlic flavor soaked right into the bread without it being overpowering. A sprinkle of your favorite garden or Italian seasoning takes it one step further if you have it on hand, but it is completely optional.
The Toppings That Make It
Fresh Tomatoes and Basil from the Garden
This is peak summer food, so use the juicy tomatoes from your garden if you have them. Beefsteak or Early Girl tomatoes sliced about a quarter inch thick are what I reach for. They have the right balance of size and juiciness without making the bread go soggy. Roma would also be so lovely here. Chiffonade some fresh basil then scatter that over the top to add a bright, herby finish that ties everything together.
The Balsamic Glaze Finish
Do not skip that drizzle. A good organic balsamic glaze over the top right before serving brings all the flavors together and adds just a touch of sweetness that makes every bite absolutely delish! For me, a crack of black pepper or even some flaky sea salt over everything is also fun. Either way, this is ready to slice and serve.
Ways to Mix It Up
Take It to the Grill
Feel free to give this a whirl on your grill. Flip the bread halves upside down directly on the grates to get that toasted crust, then build your toppings on a baking sheet and set it on the grill with the lid closed until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Phenomenal option when you are already outside cooking and do not want to run back and forth to the broiler, unless you’re needing extra steps for the day, then by all means use the broiler!!
Making It Dairy Free
There are some wonderful dairy free mozzarella options available now and they can melt well here. Use your favorite blend or you could even whip up a diary free cream cheese spread, still creamy and delicious! If you give that a try, do let me know!!
Gluten Free Caprese Garlic Bread
Course: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes5
minutesyour next summer go-to for that BBQ
Ingredients
1 whole loaf Gluten Free French Bread
1-2 cloves Garlic, peeled
1/2-1 tsp Italian Seasoning, optional
18 oz Fresh Mozzarella, pre-sliced (can sub dairy-free)
2-3 whole Beefsteak Tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/4 oz Fresh Basil, thinly sliced
1-2 Tbsp Organic Balsamic Glaze
1-2 tsp Black Pepper (optional)
pinch or two of flakey salt (optional)
Directions
- Slice the bread loaf in half horizontally.
- Place each half on a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Broil until golden brown.
- Remove from oven. Carefully rub a garlic clove over the golden crust of each half.
- Sprinkle each half with Herb Garden Seasoning if using.
- Lay mozzarella slices, overlapping slightly, down the length of each half. Place back under the broiler until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from oven and place halves on a serving platter. Lay tomato slices on top, sprinkle with fresh basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Add black pepper if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately!
Notes
- FOR THE GRILL: Turn halves upside down on the grill to toast, then assemble and place cheese-side up on a baking sheet on the grill and cover until cheese is melted.
- DAIRY FREE: There are some wonderful vegan mozzarella options available or stir up some dairy free cream cheese w/ some Italian seasoning and use that, so tasty either way.
