Caprese Sandwich
This Balsamic Glazed Caprese Sandwich is packed with the flavor of fresh tomatoes, arugula and fresh mozzarella. The best panini ever!!
Balsamic Glazed Caprese Sandwich
Long ago, we traveled to South Carolina and had the most delicious sun dried tomato pesto panini. I mean, one of the best sandwiches in the entire world. Years passed and a new sandwich shop in town was featuring a caprese sandwich that was out of this world and I just knew we had to recreate it at home.
The years went by and my mom was looking for a vegetarian option to feed her friends for dinner and I mentioned that I could teach her a simple but crazy delicious grilled tomato basil mozzarella sandwich.
Wait, why haven’t I shared that on the blog yet? This tomato mozzarella caprese sandwich is a summer staple at our house!
What is Caprese?
Caprese is an Italian dish made from fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil, occasionally paired with arugula. It can be eaten as a salad or on a sandwich.
What’s Needed to Make a Caprese Sandwich?
This caprese sandwich recipe is a spinoff of the popular caprese salad. We end up needing a dressing to keep the sandwich moist, a little greens action to make for a more filling sandwich, and of course, the perfect bread.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this caprese panini recipe:
- Sourdough Bread
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Salt and Pepper
- Pesto
- Arugula
- Basil
- Balsamic Glaze
How to Make a Caprese Sandwich
This caprese sandwich recipe couldn’t be simpler to make! I’ve given detailed instructions on how to make this tomato basil mozzarella sandwich in the recipe card below, but here’s an overview of this recipe:
- Make the homemade pesto (don’t worry, it’s super simple!).
- Spread pesto on both slices of bread.
- Top one slice of bread with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, fresh basil, and arugula. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
- Place second slice of bread on top.
- Cook in a panini press or grill pan until golden and the cheese is gooey.
What to Serve with Caprese Sandwiches
Because a grilled caprese sandwich is a light and fresh option for lunch or dinner, I like to match the sides accordingly.
Here are a few things you could serve with your caprese panini:
- Kettle Chips
- Grape Salad
- Fruit Salad
- Garden Salad
- Italian Veggie Salad
What’s the Best Bread for Caprese Sandwiches?
Our favorite bread to use for this tomato mozzarella caprese sandwich is sourdough. But any sturdy, crusty bread will work. Avoid using soft white breads as they’re not strong enough to hold all the toppings.
Do I Have to Use Homemade Pesto?
Of course not! This caprese panini can be made with your favorite store-bought pesto as well.
Can I Add Extra Veggies?
Sure thing! You’re welcome to load up your caprese sandwich as you see fit. Just keep in mind that this won’t technically be a caprese sandwich anymore once you add other vegetables. It’ll still be delicious though!
Tips for Making the BEST Caprese Sandwich
In a traditional mozzarella caprese salad you find a more soft and water packed mozzarella than those mozzarella bricks at the store. The mozzarella makes a huge difference in the sandwich. It’s like using two totally different ingredients if you get the wrong kind.
It’s easiest for me to buy the fresh mozzarella cheese log by Galbani. In my store it’s found over by the specialty cheese section and not with the dairy aisle.
We kept this grilled caprese sanwich vegetarian, but you’re welcome to add chicken to your sandwich to bulk it up even more.
More EASY SANDWICH RECIPES:
- Cucumber Dill Sandwiches
- Avocado, Turkey, & Bacon Sandwiches
- Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
- Classic Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Triple Decker Club Sandwich
- BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Chicken Salad Sandwich (on a Croissant!)
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Panini
- Sun-Dried Tomato, Bacon, & Pesto Grilled Cheese
- …ALL OF OUR SANDWICH RECIPES!
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Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
Caprese Paninis
- Bread (we prefer sourdough)
- Fresh Mozzarella , sliced
- Roma Tomatoes , sliced
- Arugula
- Basil
- Pesto
- Butter
Balsamic Glaze
- 1 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Honey (or sugar)
Instructions
Make the Balsamic Glaze:
- Bring the vinegar and honey to a simmer in a small pot over medium heat until reduced by 1/2. Do not boil, turn to medium low if needed. Set aside to cool.
Make the Caprese Sandwiches:
- Prepare the pesto per recipe instructions.
- Spread pesto on both pieces of bread. Place arugula, basil, tomatoes, mozzarella and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Drizzle a little balsamic glaze and top with the other piece of bread.
- Heat a panini grill or grill pan and butter the outside of the sandwich. Grill until golden and serve.
Notes
- To bulk up this sandwich even more, you're welcome to add some sliced chicken to your panini as well.
