While I was on my return flight back from New York last week, I happened on Giada At Home on the Food Network where she was busy preparing this Baked Panzanella Caprese. Being a big fan of the classic caprese (and anything baked), I had to give it a shot!
It was quite easy to make and fairly fast. It was tasty, but I do have one complaint. The tomatoes being baked made for a somewhat watery dish, therefore making the bread soggy. If you can figure out a way to keep it from getting watery, I think this recipe would be amazing. Test it out and let me know if it turns out differently for you!
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Ingredients
- Butter, for greasing baking sheet
- 5 vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 (8-ounce) balls fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices and patted dry with paper towels
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 packed cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 to 8 (1/2-inch thick) slices country white bread
Directions
Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 12-inch rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
Arrange the tomato slices on the bottom of the baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar. Lay the cheese slices on top in a single layer. Sprinkle with the garlic and basil and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange the bread slices on top and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the bread is crisp and golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
