Savory Caprese Crouton Bake
Elevate your summer meals with this Savory Caprese Crouton Bake. Featuring ripe, succulent homegrown tomatoes layered with gooey mozzarella cheese and crispy garlic croutons, this recipe brings a delightful crunch and vibrant flavors to every bite. Drizzled with zesty red wine vinegar and sprinkled with fragrant dried basil, each serving offers a perfect balance of savory goodness and fresh taste. Ideal as a side dish or a light meal, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fresh salads.
6
Servings
63
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic and cheese flavored croutons
1 (5 ounce package)
Tomatoes
2 (large, cut into 1/4-inch slices)
Mozzarella cheese
1/2 (lb, sliced)
Red wine vinegar
4 (tablespoons)
Dried basil
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat the microwave oven to high.
2
In a 9-inch pie or quiche pan, create a single layer of garlic and cheese flavored croutons, ensuring they cover the bottom evenly.
3
Arrange alternating 1/4-inch slices of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on top of the croutons, making sure to layer them nicely for a beautiful presentation.
4
Drizzle the red wine vinegar evenly over the tomato and cheese layers to enhance their flavors.
5
Sprinkle dried basil generously over the top, adding a fragrant herb note to the dish.
6
Cover the pan with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam, and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
7
Allow to cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Caprese Crouton Bake?
It is a summer dish featuring ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and garlic croutons layered and heated until bubbly.
What kind of croutons are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a 5-ounce package of garlic and cheese flavored croutons for the base layer.
How long does it take to cook the bake?
It takes between 5 to 8 minutes in a microwave on high power.
Can I make this in a microwave?
Yes, the instructions specifically guide you to cook the dish in the microwave oven on high.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Large fresh tomatoes, preferably homegrown and ripe, cut into 1/4-inch slices are recommended.
Is the Savory Caprese Crouton Bake vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains only croutons, tomatoes, cheese, vinegar, and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 63 calories, 4g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 2.5g of protein.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, while the recipe calls for dried basil, fresh fragrant basil can be substituted for a more vibrant flavor.
What size pan is recommended for this bake?
A 9-inch pie or quiche pan is the ideal size for this dish.
How should I layer the ingredients?
Layer the croutons first, then alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese on top.
Should the dish be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the pan with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam during the cooking process.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to enhance the tomato and cheese flavors.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are croutons, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, red wine vinegar, and dried basil.
How thick should I slice the tomatoes?
Tomatoes should be cut into 1/4-inch slices for even layering and cooking.
Is this a side dish or a main meal?
It is ideal as a side dish or a light meal, and pairs well with grilled meats or salads.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of sliced mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy and quick recipe with only 5 main ingredients.
What is the preparation for the croutons?
You simply need a 5-ounce package of garlic and cheese flavored croutons arranged in a single layer.
Can I serve this dish warm or cold?
It is best served warm immediately after the cheese has melted and bubbled.
How do I serve the bake?
Allow it to cool slightly, then slice into wedges before serving.
What is the total fat content?
Each serving has 4 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What gives the dish its savory flavor?
The combination of garlic croutons, red wine vinegar, and dried basil creates a savory profile.
Can I use different flavored croutons?
While garlic and cheese are recommended, you can experiment with other savory crouton flavors.
How much protein does this dish contain?
There are 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a way to elevate summer meals with seasonal tomatoes.
How do I know the dish is done?
The dish is finished when the mozzarella cheese has completely melted and is bubbling.
Does this recipe include salt or pepper?
The recipe relies on the seasoning from the flavored croutons and vinegar, though you can add extra to taste.
What is the recipe ID for this dish?
The recipe identifier is savory-caprese-crouton-bake.