Caprese sandwich is a simple and delicious Italian-inspired sandwich made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil. This vegetarian sandwich with homemade pesto is super easy to make and the perfect way to experience the refreshing flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine.
About this caprese sandwich recipe –
- Uses minimal ingredients
- Made with fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes & fresh basil
- Homemade pesto spread for added herbaceous flavor
- Highly customizable
- Rich in protein
This caprese sandwich recipe made with fresh vibrant ingredients is the ideal choice for a quick breakfast, picnic or a light lunch / dinner. Its simplicity and freshness transports you to the sunny coasts of Italy with every bite.
What is caprese?
Caprese (pronounced kuh-prey-zee) is basically an Italian salad that is made from tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and seasoned with salt and olive oil. The salad can be eaten as is, or put between bread slices to make caprese sandwich.
It gets its name from the Mediterranean island of Capri which lies in the south of Italy. Mediterranean cuisine is known for its use of fresh local produce and simple preparation and this salad is no exception, layering simple fresh ingredients into a healthy flavorful dish.
Best bread to use for caprese sandwiches
The bread you choose for your caprese sandwich can significantly impact its overall flavor and texture. This sandwich is best made with a thick, rustic and sturdy breads, as the normal sandwich breads like white bread are not able to hold all the toppings and tend to break apart. You can choose between many breads, here are some of my favorites –
- Ciabatta – With its airy texture and crisp crust, ciabatta bread provides a perfect foundation that absorbs the flavors of the ingredients without becoming soggy. I have used ciabatta rolls here in this recipe.
- Baguette – A fresh, crusty baguette offers a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
- Sourdough bread – The tangy notes of sourdough bread complement the tomatoes and cheese really well.
- Focaccia – With its herby flavor and soft oily texture, focaccia bread pairs wonderfully with the fresh basil and other ingredients.
Filling for caprese sandwich
The sandwich is made with just a few simple ingredients, however their taste is really highlighted. Hence it is really important to choose the best quality fresh ingredients –
- Fresh mozzarella – Choose fresh soft mozzarella cheese, which is usually sold cut in slices, small balls or as logs in stores, and is generally packed in water. This is different from the harder mozzarella bricks used in pizzas.
- Tomatoes – Buy ripe but firm tomatoes. Generally smaller juicy tomatoes tend to work best for this recipe.
- Pesto – A layer of basil pesto on the bread adds some moisture to the sandwich as well as enhances its taste. You can opt for store bought pesto, or make it at home very easily.
- Basil – Basil leaves add freshness and sharpness to the flavor of the sandwich.
- Salt & Pepper – add as per your taste for flavoring
Other optional ingredients
In addition to the above, you can modify the basic fresh mozzarella & tomato sandwich as per your preferences. Here are a few other ingredients that go well in the caprese sandwich –
- Arugula leaves – I love adding arugula leaves are added for extra freshness, crunch and peppery flavor.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach leaves can be added for crunch and to enhance the nutrition.
- Balsamic glaze – You can drizzle some balsamic glaze or thick balsamic vinegar on the sandwich for extra flavor, moisture and a hint of sweetness.
- Sun dried tomatoes – can be added in addition to or instead of fresh tomatoes for a tart flavor.
- Avocados – Sliced avocados can be added to make the sandwich more filling and nutritious.
- Grilled vegetables – grilled zucchini, eggplant etc also go well with the sandwich.
Nutritional info for caprese sandwich
This sandwich is a relatively healthy option for a snack. Fresh mozzarella cheese is lower in fat and calories compared to many other cheeses and is a good source of protein. For an even healthier version, opt for low-fat mozzarella.
You can also choose whole grain bread to make this sandwich to increase the nutritional value. Overall, this sandwich offers a simple, well-balanced meal that provides fiber, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. It’s a delicious and nutritious choice that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Serving suggestions
The sandwiches can be enjoyed either cold or warm. Personally I prefer to toast them a little bit till the cheese is starting to melt. These caprese sandwiches taste divine when grilled, so if you have a grill or panini maker, it’s a perfect way to cook them.
These sandwiches are very quick and simple to make, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or a quick snack. They are also a great option for traveling or road trips, offering a convenient and tasty meal on the go.
To make caprese sandwich at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.
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Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Recipe Info
Nutrition
Ingredients For Caprese Sandwich Recipe
- 4 Slices Ciabatta Rolls cut in half
- 2 Tablespoon Basil Pesto
- 16 Ounces Fresh Mozzarella
- 2 Medium Sized Tomatoes
- 1/4 Cup Basil Leaves
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
- 2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
Step By Step Instructions for Caprese Sandwich Recipe
- Spread some pesto on one slice of the bread.4 Slices Ciabatta Rolls, 2 Tablespoon Basil Pesto
- Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into thick slices (roughly 1/4th inch) and place them on the bread.16 Ounces Fresh Mozzarella
- Then place some tomato slices on top.2 Medium Sized Tomatoes
- Add some chopped basil leaves to the bread.1/4 Cup Basil Leaves
- Sprinkle salt, pepper as per your taste.1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
- Cover with second slice. You can eat the sandwich as it is or heat it. I like the sandwich slightly toasted.
- Grease a pan with some oil and place the sandwich on it. Cover it with a lid and cook it 1-2 minutes on low heat to warm it up slightly. You can also grill the sandwich.2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
- Caprese sandwich is ready. Slice in half for easy handling and serve it fresh.
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