This Easy Caprese Galette brings together fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in a crispy, flaky crust. It’s like a pizza, but with a fancy twist!
Making this galette is super fun! I love how the filling spills out a little when I cut it—it’s like a delicious surprise. Perfect for sharing or just enjoying all by yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are key for flavor. I recommend using firm varieties like Roma for freshness. If they’re out of season, jarred sun-dried tomatoes could work. Just make sure to drain them well!
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese adds creaminess. If you can’t find it, use sliced provolone or even ricotta for a different texture. Don’t skimp on quality; it makes a big difference!
Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that classic Caprese taste. If you can’t find it, try fresh spinach or arugula as alternatives. Dried herbs can work in a pinch but won’t have the same impact.
Eggs and Cream: The eggs mixed with cream make the filling rich. You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt mixed with a little water.
How Do I Get the Crust Just Right?
Getting the crust crispy is crucial. Make sure to roll it out evenly and leave the 2-inch border for folding. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crust:
- Chill the pie crust before rolling it out. Cold dough is easier to handle!
- Brush olive oil on the crust to prevent sogginess from the tomatoes.
- Watch the baking time; if it’s golden and the cheese is bubbly, it’s done!
Easy Caprese Galette Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade pie dough, about 9-10 inches)
- 3-4 medium fresh tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
For Assembly:
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or mixed herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or additional basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Caprese Galette takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Adding in cooling time, you’ll be enjoying this scrumptious meal in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
2. Rolling Out the Pie Crust:
Roll out your pie crust into a circle that’s roughly 12 inches in diameter. You can do this right on a piece of parchment paper, which will also make transferring it to the baking sheet a breeze!
3. Making the Egg Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream (or whole milk). This mixture will help set the filling and add creaminess. Set it aside for now.
4. Seasoning the Crust:
Brush the rolled pie crust lightly with olive oil. Then sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, all around the crust, leaving around a 2-inch border around the edges for folding later.
5. Layering the Fresh Ingredients:
Start laying fresh basil leaves evenly across the crust, forming a flavorful base. Next, place slices of fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the basil. Follow with the slices of fresh tomatoes. Don’t forget to season the tomatoes with a little more salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for that extra flavor kick!
6. Folding the Crust:
Now for the fun part! Carefully fold the edges of the crust over the filling, creating pleats as you go, to form a beautiful rustic galette. Make sure to cover some of the filling but leave the center open for that gorgeous display.
7. Egg Wash and Bake:
Brush the folded crust edges with the egg mixture for a nice golden finish. You can also drizzle some of the remaining egg wash over the tomato and cheese to add shine. Pop your galette into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully bubbly.
8. Cooling and Garnishing:
Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional basil for that extra touch of freshness.
Enjoy this rustic, cheesy, and fresh Caprese galette warm or at room temperature! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a delightful lunch with friends!
FAQ for Easy Caprese Galette Recipe
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute it with provolone, goat cheese, or even ricotta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and creaminess will vary!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them within 3 days for the best taste. You can reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crust again!
Can I Make This Galette Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the galette up to the point before baking and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just remember to add a little cooking time if it goes into the oven directly from the fridge.
What If My Tomatoes Are Too Watery?
If your tomatoes are very juicy, you can remove the seeds or sprinkle a little salt on them and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out some moisture. Pat them dry before adding them to the galette to prevent a soggy crust!
