Baked Heirloom Caprese Salad

Name: Baked Heirloom Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (I get my bacon here); 3 tablespoons reserved bacon fat drippings; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil (I use this brand) code kyndraholley for $5 off; 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼ inch thick slices; 15 fresh basil leaves; Sea salt and black pepper

Ingredients in Baked Heirloom Caprese

Ingredients laid out for a baked heirloom caprese

Ingredient Notes

Heirloom tomatoes: tomatoes aren't technically known as a low carb staple, but in this Baked Heirloom Caprese Salad, they're the star. With only 5g net carbs total in a serving, this recipe is one that everyone can enjoy. Heirloom tomatoes add flavor and color, and you can't have Caprese without tomatoes! (more recipes with fresh tomatoes)

Bacon: do not skip the bacon! In addition to deepening the savory flavor, the saltiness of the bacon plays nicely with the sweet acidity of the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the freshness of the basil and garlic. In fact, this recipe is delicious with my Keto Candied Bacon Recipe. ( I get my favorite pastured bacon here.)

Balsamic vinegar: not to be confused with balsamic glaze, reduction, or vinaigrette, which are higher in sugar. You want regular, high quality balsamic vinegar. (I recommend this brand)

Step by Step Instructions

White bowl with balsamic vinegar, bacon drippings and olive oil, with a fork to whisk

How to Make Baked Heirloom Caprese Salad

STEP 1: First combine the bacon fat, balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a small mixing bowl. Whisk together with a fork.

rimmed baking sheet with colorful heirloom tomatoes, topped with thinly sliced garlic and olive oil

STEP 2: Next, line the tomato slices in a single layer across the parchment paper and top with the garlic and bake for 30 minutes.

baking sheet with baked caprese salad - heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, bacon, garlic, olive oil

STEP 3: Lastly, add the fresh mozzarella slices and crumbled bacon over the top, drizzle over the bacon vinaigrette. Sprinkle over a little salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Prep notes: slice the tomatoes to a uniform thickness (about ½ inch thick) so that they bake evenly.

Change up the cheese: switch up the flavors and textures in this Baked Heirloom Caprese Salad by swapping mozzarella with fresh burrata cheese. It is also amazing with shaved Parmesan, crumbled feta, or even goat cheese. Smoked mozzarella is also an excellent choice. Can you tell that I really love cheese?

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to add the leftovers to a salad, on top of salmon, on a sandwich, or even as toppings for Pizza Eggs.

Serving: you can plate this Caprese salad on individual plates as an appetizer, or serve it alongside a protein like this Herbed Butter Roasted Chicken or these Lemon Garlic Pork Steaks to make it a full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Caprese mean?

In Italian, Caprese salad is insalata Caprese, which means "salad of Capri," an island in Italy. Typically, Caprese salads are made with sliced tomato and mozzarella, fresh basil, salt and pepper, and olive oil. This baked Caprese was created in the same style as insalata Caprese, with a fun remix.

What is so special about heirloom tomatoes?

Don't let the funny shape throw you off! Heirloom tomato seeds are passed down from farmer to farmer, season to season. Cultivated for their beautiful colors, juiciness, and texture, heirloom tomatoes put the flavorless monocropped grocery store tomatoes to shame. The best place to purchase heirloom tomatoes is at the farmer's market, where you can meet the person who harvests them.

What do you serve with Caprese?

Serve this Baked Heirloom Caprese Salad alongside a keto charcuterie board as a fun appetizer, or with Crispy Lemon Feta Chicken Wings for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. This also pairs well with Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad as a light lunch, or Greek Chicken Meatballs.

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