This Easy Caprese Galette is a tasty twist on the classic salad! With fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all wrapped in a flaky crust, it’s sure to impress your guests!
Making this galette is so much fun! I love how rustic it looks—like I just rolled out of a fancy cooking class, but really, it’s super simple. Perfect for summer picnics! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A store-bought pie crust makes this dish quick and easy! If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite recipe, but ready-made is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are crucial for flavor. I love using heirloom tomatoes for their sweetness and color. If they aren’t in season, try grape or cherry tomatoes instead—they’re also delicious!
Fresh Mozzarella: The creaminess of fresh mozzarella really elevates this galette. If you can’t find it, regular mozzarella works too, but it won’t be quite as rich. You could also use burrata for extra creaminess.
Fresh Basil: This is a must for that classic Caprese flavor! If you’re short on basil, consider substituting with fresh spinach or arugula, though it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds a nice touch of sweetness and acidity. If you’re out, a splash of vinegar can work too. Just drizzle it lightly so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
How Do I Fold the Dough for a Rustic Look?
Creating the rustic edges of your galette is simple and forgiving! Here’s how to do it:
- Once you’ve added the filling, use your fingers to pick up the edge of the dough.
- Carefully fold it over the filling, overlapping slightly to create pleats. Don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is the goal!
- Leave some filling exposed in the center to show off that pretty tomato and cheese.
It’s a fun and stress-free way to present your dish. Each fold adds character, so embrace the imperfections!
Easy Caprese Galette with Fresh Basil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Galette:
- 1 sheet store-bought pie crust (or homemade, about 9-10 inches)
- 2-3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze or reduction (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Caprese Galette takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake, with a total time of about 40 minutes. It’s super quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight meal or a delicious appetizer at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust into a circle that’s about 12 inches wide. This doesn’t have to be perfect—just get it roughly even!
3. Assemble the Galette:
Transfer your rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Now, arrange the sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese in the center, leaving about a 2-inch border of dough around the edges. This is where you’ll fold it over later!
4. Add Fresh Basil and Season:
Sprinkle torn basil leaves on top of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This step adds flavor, so don’t skip it!
5. Fold the Edges:
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold the edge of the dough over the filling, creating pleats as you go for a rustic look. You want to cover some of the filling but leave the center exposed for that beautiful presentation.
6. Brush and Drizzle:
Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. This gives it a lovely golden color when baked! Then, lightly drizzle olive oil over the filling to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop your galette in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. The smell will be amazing!
8. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and if you like, drizzle it with balsamic glaze for that extra zing! Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it up and enjoy your delicious Caprese Galette!
FAQ for Easy Caprese Galette
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Mozzarella?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional for a Caprese galette, you can substitute it with other cheeses like ricotta for creaminess or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly!
Can I Make This Galette in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the galette up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain the crispy crust.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Galette?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
