This Caprese Sandwich is a classic for a reason and always a winner. It's fresh, simple, yet bursting with flavor from the basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, finished with balsamic glaze. Serve with your favorite bread or keep with the Italian theme using my easy focaccia.
As soon as the weather starts warming up into summer and the sun is shining, there's one thing I crave and can't wait to eat…a fresh panino which translates to a sandwich in Italian, and one of my favorite flavors I can never get sick of is this Caprese Sandwich. I make it on repeat, especially when the tomatoes are extra delicious in Italy in the summertime. You can enjoy it with any bread really, but you can't beat homemade focaccia in my eyes 😉. I've actually made a mini focaccia loaf here, perfect for one or two.
If you've been here a while and follow my social media platforms, you'll be familiar with my beach panino series where I love to make sandwiches every summer, literally on the beach. There's nothing better in my eyes than being at the beach on a sunny day, going for a swim then enjoying a big fresh panino!
This sandwich combo is inspired by the beloved caprese salad which comes from the island of Capri in Italy and consists of fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and drizzled with a good amount of extra virgin olive oil…Yum heaven! It's an Italian classic and enjoyed all through Italy in the summertime and always hits the spot. I mean its even the same colors of the Italian flag for a reason 😉. You can even use burrata cheese instead to make it a burrata caprese sandwich too.
Rather than using basil leaves, here I've made a homemade basil pesto instead which acts as a sauce for the sandwich. You can even switch it with sun-dried tomato pesto for a change. I also love to finish it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze which tastes so good! Personally, I love to enjoy this caprese sandwich fresh as is, but sometimes prefer to jazz it up...pop it in a panini press, toaster oven or even heat it on a skillet. The mozzarella cheese will become melted and oozy with the ultimate cheese pull!
Table of Contents
What makes this recipe special
- Italian Classic: This sandwich filling is an Italian classic for a reason…simple yet perfect!
- Fresh & Delicious: Juicy tomato slices, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil pesto makes every bite burst with flavor
- Simplicity: Minimal ingredients but maximum taste. Easy to prepare any day for the whole family
- Versatility: Perfect for lunch, picnic or a light dinner, with many options for variations and additions such as adding grilled chicken, arugula, or even marinated red pepper or artichokes
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Bread of choice - any fresh bread or even whole-grain options will work. Some personal favorites are focaccia, sourdough, ciabatta rolls and even a fresh crunchy baguette
- Basil pesto adds a fresh, herby richness to the sandwich and also acts as a sauce at the same time. Try my homemade basil pesto or store-bought if you're short on time. You can switch it up with sun-dried tomato pesto for a change
- Tomato slices - the right tomato is crucial...you'll want a juicy ripe tomato, that's nice and red and not too firm. All types of tomatoes will be delicious from vine tomatoes, Roma tomatoes and even a heirloom tomato would be great
- Fresh mozzarella cheese. Creamy and mild it balances the acidity of the tomatoes and always a favorite. Burrata can be used for an extra creamy twist to make a burrata caprese sandwich
- Balsamic glaze is made basically from reducing balsamic vinegar and adds a sweet and tangy flavor, enhancing the sandwich’s flavor
How to make Caprese Sandwich
This easy Caprese Sandwich brings together fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil pesto for a quick, flavorful sandwich. Follow my simple steps below.
If wishing to make homemade pesto, try my easy recipe here
Slice the tomato and mozzarella, halve the focaccia or rolls if using
Spread 1–2 tablespoons of pesto on the bottom slice of bread
Layer with mozzarella, then tomatoes and season with salt and pepper
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Top with the other bread slice, cut in half, and enjoy! Optionally, you can toast in a toaster oven or grill pan for a melty twist
Tips and Tricks
- Any fresh bread will work, from bread slices to buns. You can even remove some of the inside of the bread rolls if needed so it's not too dense
- Use fresh, red and ripe tomatoes that are not too firm for the best juicy sandwich
- Season the tomato slices with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors
- Use a grill pan or panini press to lightly press and warm the sandwich if you prefer a warm, melty mozzarella experience
- Add extra additions such as chicken or crispy breaded tofu, arugula, lettuce, red onion, artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes
Storage Instructions
- The best caprese sandwich is enjoyed fresh so the bread doesn't become soggy, however you can place leftovers in the fridge, wrapped up tightly with plastic wrap for 2 days
- Prep and store ingredients separately including the fresh mozzarella, tomato slices and basil pesto in separate airtight containers in the fridge for next time
- Reheat sandwiches briefly in a grill pan or panini press over medium high heat for a few minutes if you prefer them warm - avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy
- Freeze homemade basil pesto in small portions for easy use anytime without losing flavor
FAQs
The Caprese salad originated from the island of Capri in Italy, but Italians across the country eat it all summer long
A classic Caprese sandwich is made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato and fresh basil leaves drizzled with olive oil or balsamic glaze
You can't beat focaccia or ciabatta rolls to keep on the Italian theme, but a baguette or even sourdough slices would be great too
Yes of course! Some options are crispy breaded tofu, grilled chicken or deli meats such as prosciutto
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Caprese Sandwich:
More Delicious Sandwiches
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Caprese Sandwich
Video
Ingredients
- 4
bread slices or mini focaccia loaf (8.5 x 4.5 inch / 20 x 11 cm), or 2 bread rolls - 1-2 tablespoons basil pesto - homemade or store bought
- 1 medium ripe tomato
- 3.5oz / 100g fresh mozzarella cheese ball
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- If interested in making homemade pesto, try my easy recipe here
- Slice the tomato into slices along with the mozzarella ball and if using focaccia or bread rolls, slice in half
- On the bottom bread slice, add 1-2 tablespoons of basil pesto and spread it out evenly
- Place down the sliced mozzarella, top with the sliced tomatoes and season them with salt and pepper
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Place over the top slice of bread, cut in half and enjoy your fresh and delicious Caprese Sandwich! You can also toast in a toaster oven or grill pan for a toasted cheese experience instead
Notes
- Bread - any type works - slices, buns, or hollowed rolls for a lighter bite
- Tomatoes - use ripe, red ones that are juicy and not too firm
- Grill - use a panini press or grill pan for a warm, melty sandwich
- Add-ins - try chicken, crispy tofu, arugula, lettuce, red onion, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes
- Nutritional table is based on focaccia bread being used
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