Description
At its core, Pesto Caprese Braided Bread is a savory stuffed loaf that takes the three main components of a traditional Caprese—mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—and encases them in a soft, pillowy dough. The “braided” aspect refers to the specific technique of cutting and folding the dough over the filling, creating a lattice-like appearance that allows the vibrant green pesto and red tomatoes to peek through.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) pizza dough or homemade bread dough
1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved and well dried
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
Prep the oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Roll the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 10 x 14 inches.Add the filling
Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Layer mozzarella and tomatoes over the pesto. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.Create the braid
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut 1-inch strips along both long sides of the dough, leaving the center intact.
Starting at one end, fold strips over the filling, alternating sides to form a braid. Tuck the ends underneath.Bake
Brush the top lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.- Finish and serve
Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
This Pesto Caprese Braided Bread is best enjoyed warm, when the mozzarella is perfectly melty and the pesto is most fragrant. Feel free to customize it with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crisp crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 260 kcal
Keywords: Caprese Stuffed Bread, Braided Pesto Loaf, Italian Tomato Mozzarella Bread, Pesto Bread Braid