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Baked Vegan Caprese Stacks Recipe

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4 from 71 reviews

These Baked Vegan Caprese Stacks offer a delightful plant-based twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Layered with juicy heirloom tomatoes, seasoned tofu, and a crispy garlic breadcrumb topping, this appetizer or side dish is baked to golden perfection for a rich combination of textures and flavors without any dairy.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tomato and Tofu Layers

  • 3 or 4 juicy heirloom tomatoes, sliced into 1/2” thick slices
  • 14 ounce firm or extra firm tofu, drained and sliced into 1/2” thick slices
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Breadcrumb Topping

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or other dried breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup vegan cheese (a mix of mozzarella-style and vegan Parmesan)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian herbs (basil, parsley, or green onion)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Slices: Preheat your oven to 400° F (205° C). Slice the heirloom tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick slices. Slice the tofu similarly, and optionally use a cookie cutter to match the tofu slices to the tomato sizes, or keep tofu slices rectangular.
  2. Make Garlic Breadcrumb Topping: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, red pepper flakes, vegan cheese, fresh Italian herbs, dried Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Brush the bottom of a 9×8-inch (or similar size) baking dish with 2 to 3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  4. Layer Tofu and Season: Place the tofu slices evenly in the baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper; then sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the tofu.
  5. Add Tomato Slices: Layer the tomato slices on top of the tofu, covering the tofu slices in preparation for the topping.
  6. Add Garlic Breadcrumb Mixture: Distribute the garlic breadcrumb topping evenly over each tomato slice, using about 2 tablespoons or more per slice for a crispy, flavorful crust.
  7. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle an additional teaspoon or so of extra virgin olive oil gently over the breadcrumb topping to help it crisp up while baking.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes to see if the topping is golden brown. Bake longer if you prefer a crispier crust.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the stacks to rest for 1-2 minutes. Use a spatula to lift tofu Caprese stacks, or slice directly in the pan if tofu slices remain rectangular. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish, great alongside creamy or herbed pasta and toasted sourdough bread.
  10. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Notes

  • Use extra firm tofu for best texture; pressing is not necessary but draining well is important to avoid excess moisture.
  • Feel free to substitute fresh herbs based on availability or preference.
  • Panko breadcrumbs will give a lighter, crunchier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • If you want an extra cheesy flavor, add a bit more vegan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; keep an eye on the topping’s color.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/baked-vegan-caprese-stacks-recipe/