Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade crust delivers superior flavor and texture, a good-quality store-bought crust works in a pinch. Just ensure it's thawed properly according to package instructions before rolling out.

Why is my galette leaking liquid during baking?

This usually happens when the tomatoes and mozzarella release too much moisture. Try patting these ingredients dry with paper towels before assembling, and make sure your crust is properly sealed with no tears or holes.

Can I make this galette ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can either prepare all components and assemble just before baking, or bake the galette up to 8 hours ahead and serve at room temperature. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits.

Is there a way to make this galette dairy-free?

You can substitute the mozzarella with a good quality dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the egg mixture. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor profile will remain delicious.

Caprese Galette Recipe

This stunning Caprese Galette brings together the beloved flavors of a classic Caprese salad in a rustic, free-form pastry that’s perfect for any occasion. Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil nestle in a flaky, golden crust for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready in under an hour, this galette makes an impressive yet simple meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressively Simple: Don’t let the elegant appearance fool you—this galette comes together with minimal effort but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil creates that perfect Caprese flavor profile we all crave.
Versatile Dish: Works beautifully as an appetizer, light lunch, or dinner paired with a simple salad. It’s also a showstopper for brunches or dinner parties.
Customizable: The basic formula allows for endless variations depending on what’s in season or what you’re craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade Pie Crust: Creates the perfect flaky foundation for our galette. Use store-bought in a pinch, but homemade delivers superior flavor and texture.
Roma Tomatoes: These provide concentrated flavor and less moisture than other varieties, preventing a soggy crust. They’re the perfect size for creating beautiful concentric circles.
Fresh Mozzarella: Delivers that classic creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and basil. Fresh is non-negotiable here!
Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds that distinctive aromatic quality that makes Caprese dishes so irresistible. The fresher, the better.
Eggs: Help bind the filling together and create a custard-like texture when baked.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness to the egg mixture and helps create a luscious consistency.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the galette.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist

Add sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired galette.

Herb Enhancement

Mix in additional fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives to the filling for more complex flavors.

Balsamic Drizzle

After baking, drizzle with a good quality balsamic reduction for a sweet-tangy finish that complements the tomatoes beautifully.

Protein Addition

Layer in some prosciutto or pancetta before baking for an extra savory element.

How to Make Caprese Galette

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your homemade pie dough into a 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Don’t worry about perfect edges—that’s part of the rustic charm! Transfer the dough carefully to your lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Arrange the Filling

Start from the center of your dough circle and arrange sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil in overlapping circles. This is your chance to create something beautiful! Remember to leave about 2-3 inches of dough around the edge for folding.

Step 3: Create the Crust Edge

Fold the exposed dough over your filling, creating pleats as you work around the circle. This doesn’t need to be perfect—the casual, rustic look is what makes a galette so charming.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture

Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. First, brush some of this mixture on the folded edges of dough to help achieve that gorgeous golden color. Then pour the remaining mixture evenly over your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your galette into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and a filling that’s bubbly but set. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your masterpiece cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This brief rest allows the filling to set slightly, making for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Ingredients: Keep your pie dough cold until the last minute—this ensures maximum flakiness in the finished crust.
Manage Moisture: Pat your tomato and mozzarella slices with paper towels before arranging them. This removes excess moisture that could make your crust soggy.
Even Distribution: Try to distribute the filling ingredients evenly so each slice has a perfect balance of tomato, cheese, and basil.
Check While Baking: Around the 25-minute mark, peek at your galette. If the crust is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Slice With Care: Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to slice your galette for the cleanest cuts.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this gorgeous galette with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a complete meal. The peppery arugula provides a nice contrast to the rich galette.

Temperature Matters

While this galette is delicious straight from the oven, it’s actually even better after cooling for about 15-20 minutes, when the flavors have had a chance to settle and meld.

Entertaining Idea

Cut into smaller slices and serve as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. It’s beautiful enough to be the centerpiece of your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated. You can also roll out the dough and arrange the filling a few hours before baking—just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover galette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust won’t be quite as crisp, but the flavors actually develop nicely overnight.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This revives the crust better than microwaving, which can make it soggy.

Freezing

While you can freeze the unbaked galette for up to 1 month (just add about 10 minutes to the baking time), I don’t recommend freezing the baked galette as the texture of the fresh mozzarella changes when frozen and thawed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade crust delivers superior flavor and texture, a good-quality store-bought crust works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s thawed properly according to package instructions before rolling out.
Why is my galette leaking liquid during baking?

This usually happens when the tomatoes and mozzarella release too much moisture. Try patting these ingredients dry with paper towels before assembling, and make sure your crust is properly sealed with no tears or holes.
Can I make this galette ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can either prepare all components and assemble just before baking, or bake the galette up to 8 hours ahead and serve at room temperature. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits.
Is there a way to make this galette dairy-free?

You can substitute the mozzarella with a good quality dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the egg mixture. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor profile will remain delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Galette brings together everything you love about a fresh Caprese salad with the comfort of a delicate, flaky crust. It’s the perfect recipe for those summer days when tomatoes and basil are at their peak, but honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser any time of year. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a few quality ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this galette is sure to impress without stressing you out in the kitchen. Give it a try!