Baked Panzanella Caprese Recipes

PANZANELLA

Steps:

• Soak the capers in 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a small bowl for 10 minutes. Drain.
• Cut the crust off of the bread. Cut into 2-inch slices and grill, drizzling about 2 tablespoons of olive oil on both sides of the bread. Once grilled, cut or tear bread into 1 inch cubes and set aside.
• Submerge the tomatoes into a large saucepan of boiling water for 10 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a large bowl of ice water to cool slightly. Using a small sharp paring knife, peel off the tomato skins. Cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the tomatoes into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk 2/3 cup of the olive oil, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the bread cubes, tomatoes, and basil; toss to combine.
• Transfer half of the bread mixture to a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish.
• Arrange half of the roasted peppers, drained capers, and olives over the bread mixture. Repeat layering with the remaining bread mixture, then the remaining roasted peppers, capers, and olives. Cover the salad and let stand at room temperature for flavors to blend, at least 1 hour.
• Garnish with the basil sprigs and serve.

BAKED CAPRESE SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Arrange the sliced baguette bread on a baking sheet. Brush with some of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until the bread is pale golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven. Top each slice of bread with a slice of tomato and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top each slice of tomato with a slice of mozzarella and sprinkle with salt. Return the baking sheet to the oven until the cheese and tomato are warmed, about 5 minutes.
• Arrange the toasts on a serving platter. Top each toast with a basil leaf. Using the brush, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the basil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve.

BAKED PANZANELLA CAPRESE

Steps:

• 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.

CAPRESE PANZANELLA

Steps:

• Add 2-3 tablespoons of the olive oil to a large saute pan, and warm over medium heat.
• Keeping the heat on medium, add the bread cubes and the salt, and toss.
• Stir frequently for about 10 minutes, until the cubes are well toasted. Whenever the pan dries out, add a little more olive oil, about a tablespoon at a time.
• Remove bread cubes from heat and allow to cool completely.
• Seed and dice the tomatoes and add to a large bowl. I keep the tomato chunks large - about the same size as the bread cubes.
• Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl.
• Give the basil a couple of rough chops, and throw it in.
• Dice the mozzarella and add that to the bowl, too.
• Add the cooled bread cubes.
• Make the viniagrette in a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the bread, veggies, basil, and cheese, and toss gently until well incorporated.
• Let sit for just a few minutes so the bread can soak in just a little of the vinaigrette.
• Add a little more salt and fresh ground pepper to taste, and serve immediately.