Caprese garlic bread recipe

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (sourdough or ciabatta also works)
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, at room temperature
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (1 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper
• 10 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
• 3 to 4 medium tomatoes, sliced
• ⅔ cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 teaspoons honey
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Cut the loaf of bread in half horizontally and place it on the baking sheet cut sides up.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the butter, Parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Spread the mixture on top of the bread.
4. Next, arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the bread and top with the tomato slices. Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted.
5. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the vinegar to a simmer over medium heat, then stir in the honey. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced by about half and has the consistency of a thin syrup. Remove from the heat and place in a small bowl. It will thicken as it sits.
6. Remove the bread from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the fresh basil over the top and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Cut the bread into 2-inch slices and serve hot!