Caprese Sandwich

Make a delicious lunch in no time with this quick and easy caprese sandwich recipe featuring Pesto, fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil.

Are you looking for something simple and delicious that takes only a few minutes to prepare? Look no further than the amazing Caprese Sandwich!

This sandwich is a delightfully fresh, vibrant combination of flavours that is sure to tickle your taste buds.

Perfectly ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil leaves and tangy balsamic vinegar glaze are nestled together between two slices of perfectly crispy bread. Pesto and arugula shake things up with a punch of flavour taking this sandwich up a notch.

Whether it’s lunch or a light dinner, this Italian inspired sandwich will give you an unforgettable meal in minutes.

So come join me as I take you through my easy recipe for creating these divine sandwiches from start to finish!

Why You will LOVE These Caprese Sandwiches

• Quick and easy meal
• Delicious, bold flavours
• Fresh ingredients
• Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Tips for Making the BEST Caprese Sandwiches

• Use fresh mozzarella for your sandwich. The texture and flavour is very different from mozzarella bricks and will take your sandwich to the next level.
• This sandwich is NOT vegetarian unless you use a vegetarian pesto or make homemade pesto using animal rennet free Parmesan cheese. Keep that in mind if that is a concern.
• Using only high quality ingredients will results in a high quality sandwich. Your sandwich can only be as good as what you put into it.
• Don’t forget to season it. The salt and pepper may feel like an after thought but nobody likes bland, unseasoned food.

What to Serve with Caprese Sandwiches

Here are a few things you can serve with your caprese paninis.

• Kettle chips or homemade potato chips
• A bowl of roasted tomato soup
• A light fruit or vegetable salad like my watermelon cucumber salad
• An Italian inspired pasta salad like my Pesto pasta salad or calabrese pasta salad

Caprese Sandwich Variations

I think this sandwich is perfect as is, if you are planning to try out these variations I would stick with one or two complementary variations. Too many changes will muddy the flavours.

• You can spread the top and bottom of the sandwich with butter or mayonnaise before you grill it. This will crisp up the outside of the bread. It’s also a useful step to add if your griddle isn’t non-stick.
• Make a chicken caprese sandwich by adding a few slices of chicken breast.
• Swap in olive tepanade for the pesto for a more briny flavour.
• Add in a few slices of thick, crispy bacon.
• Sun-dried tomatoes are an addition that can give the sandwich depth.

How to Store Leftover Caprese Paninis

This Caprese Sandwich is best enjoyed immediately while it’s still warm however, any leftovers can be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for 1 day.

To reheat, warm in a dry skillet for a few minutes on both sides.

About the Ingredients for Caprese Sandwiches

Bread – Sourdough bread is a great choice for this sandwich, however it will of course work with any type of bread, roll or baguette.

Pesto – We used store-bought pesto but you could certainly make your own if you prefer.

Basil – Fresh basil is a must for a caprese sandwich.

Mozzarella – Use fresh mozzarella for the best flavour and texture. You can use brick mozzarella, but I’d only do it if that is all I had on hand.

Tomato – A red beefsteak tomato or almost any heirloom tomato will work well. Campari is another great choice as are regular old round red tomatoes. Avoid refrigerating your tomatoes to avoid mealy textures.

Balsamic glaze – The balsamic glaze can also be bought in the store. You can make your own by putting one cup of balsamic vinegar into a saucepan along with a teaspoon of sugar or honey. Bring to a simmer
and heat until it reduces by about a third.

Arugula – Arugula offers a bit of a peppery flavour. You can omit if you like but I think it really complements the other flavours.

Looking for More Delicious Sandwich Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite sandwiches!

Upgrade your lunch with these ham and cheese waffle sandwiches featuring fluffy homemade waffles with perfectly crisp edges.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

A quick and easy recipe for healthy avocado chicken salad that’s good enough to eat on its own or as a sandwich filling.

How to Make a Caprese Sandwich

Yields: 1 Sandwich | Prep time: 5 Minutes | Cook time: 4 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 slices bread
• 4 heaped teaspoons pesto
• 6 slices fresh mozzarella
• small handful fresh basil
• 1 medium ripe tomato
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Small handful arugula
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat a griddle or panini maker.

Evenly spread both pieces of bread with the pesto.

On one piece of the bread, arrange the mozzarella, basil and tomato in layers.

Drizzle over the balsamic glaze then add the arugula and salt and pepper to taste.

Place the other piece of bread on top (pesto side down).

Place on the hot griddle and grill on both sides for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Alternatively, put the sandwich in a panini maker and cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the heat, slice and serve immediately.