Caprese Sandwich Recipe with Basil Pesto (Panini)
Jul 29, 2024, Updated Jan 12, 2025
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The Caprese Sandwich Recipe with Basil Pesto (Panini) perfectly balances flavors and textures. The creamy mozzarella contrasts with the juicy tomatoes, while the peppery arugula adds a refreshing bite. The homemade basil pesto ties everything together with its aromatic herbaceousness. Option for a grilled caprese sandwich version!
You’ll also love my classic caprese salad and tomato mozzarella bruschetta recipes.

Best Caprese Sandwiches (Panini)
I grew up eating this on the sunny shores of Sardegna in the summertime. The recipe reflects my Italian roots by incorporating traditional ingredients such as buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto, ripe tomatoes, and extra-virgin olive oil. These ingredients come together to create the best caprese panini!
This is the time of year I crave a fresh and simple sandwich- this one hits the spot every time! It’s an easy sandwich recipe you’ll love.
Try my Panzanella Salad recipe and Porchetta Sandwich next time!

Table of Contents
Classic Ingredients
The recipe emphasizes using high-quality ingredients like fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes. These ingredients ensure the sandwich is bursting with flavor and freshness.

- Ciabatta or Focaccia Bread: Choose a loaf of either ciabatta or focaccia bread, known for its soft texture and porous crumb, perfect for soaking up the flavors of the sandwich.
- Buffalo Mozzarella (or Creamy Fresh Mozzarella of Choice): Buffalo mozzarella, made from the milk of water buffalo, offers a creamy texture and rich flavor. Alternatively, you can use any fresh mozzarella cheese for its mild and milky taste.
- Thick Balsamic Vinegar or Balsamic Glaze (Optional): This adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sandwich, enhancing the overall taste profile. Opt for a thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze for easy drizzling.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the Italian flavors of the sandwich. It’s used for brushing the outer sides of the bread before grilling.
- Baby Arugula: Baby arugula provides a peppery and slightly bitter flavor, balancing the tomatoes’ sweetness and the mozzarella’s creaminess.
- Basil Pesto (you can also use store-bought pesto): A vibrant green sauce made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Homemade pesto offers a burst of herbaceous flavor and acts as a spread on the bread, adding depth to the sandwich.
- Juicy Ripe Tomatoes: Choose medium-sized ripe tomatoes sliced into thin rounds. They contribute juicy sweetness and acidity to the sandwich, complementing the other ingredients.
- Flaky Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: These are used to season the tomatoes, enhance their flavor, and add a finishing touch to the sandwich. Flaky sea salt or kosher salt works best because of its texture and mild flavor.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Caprese Sandwiches
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for complete instructions.

Make the homemade pesto.

Start layering the sandwich and assemble it.

Add the fresh tomatoes.

Drizzle the balsamic vinegar.

You can eat the sandwiches as is or turn them into grilled caprese sandwiches and use a panini grill.

If you don’t have a panini grill you can make them on the stove top on a pan.

This will become one of your favorite sandwiches for the summer season.
Substitutions
- Cheese Substitutions:
- Instead of buffalo mozzarella, you can use fresh mozzarella made from cow’s milk or even a vegan mozzarella alternative for a dairy-free option.
- Try substituting the mozzarella with slices of creamy burrata or tangy feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Bread Substitutions:
- If ciabatta or focaccia bread isn’t available, you can use other types of rustic bread such as sourdough bread, baguette, or even whole wheat bread.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or serve the Caprese ingredients in lettuce wraps or on gluten-free crackers.
- Fresh Tomatoes Substitutions:
- While fresh tomatoes are traditional, you can use heirloom, cherry, or sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor. Look for sweet tomatoes for best results!
- If it’s not tomato season or you prefer a different vegetable, try using roasted red peppers or thinly sliced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
- Greens Substitutions:
- If you don’t have baby arugula, you can use baby spinach, mixed greens, or even fresh basil leaves to add greenery and freshness to the sandwich.

Variations
Next time you make these tasty caprese sandwiches, you can use different pesto types.
- Pistachio Pesto
- Arugula Walnut Pesto (vegan option)
Flavor variations:
- Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich: Add grilled chicken breast slices to the sandwich for extra protein and flavor. Marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning or garlic before grilling for added taste. You can use my recipe for the best grilled chicken sandwich as a base.
- Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich: Layer thin slices of prosciutto over the mozzarella and tomatoes for a savory twist. The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese.
- Avocado Caprese Sandwich: Include slices of ripe avocado for a creamy texture and buttery flavor. Avocado adds richness and a nutritional boost to the sandwich, making it even more satisfying.
Equipment
- My favorite Food Processor
- Panini Press
Storage and Reheating
Storing: If you have leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store the wrapped sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
Reheating: When ready to eat, remove the sandwiches from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to slightly soften the bread. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven or a panini press until warmed.
Top tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest ingredients available, especially when it comes to tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your sandwich.
- Slice Ingredients Evenly: Slice the tomatoes, mozzarella, and bread into uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and a well-balanced sandwich.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or kosher salt over the tomatoes to enhance their flavor, and season the pesto to taste with salt and pepper for a well-seasoned sandwich.
- Use Quality Olive Oil: Brush the outer sides of the bread with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and drizzle it over the sandwich. The olive oil adds richness and enhances the Italian flavors of the dish.
FAQs
Caprese is a traditional Italian salad or sandwich typically made with fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, and sometimes balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. It’s known for its vibrant colors representing the Italian flag—red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. The combination of these simple, fresh ingredients creates a delicious and refreshing dish that highlights the flavors of summer.
Yes, if you don’t have a panini press, you can use a grill pan or a regular skillet to grill the sandwiches. Simply place the assembled sandwiches on the preheated grill pan or skillet and cook them for a few minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to flatten them slightly. Turn them halfway through cooking to ensure even grilling on both sides.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
What to Serve with Caprese Sandwiches
A great option for sides:
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Print
Best Caprese Sandwich with Basil Pesto (Panini)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The Caprese Sandwich Recipe with Basil Pesto (Panini) perfectly balances flavors and textures. The creamy mozzarella contrasts with the juicy tomatoes, while the peppery arugula adds a refreshing bite. The homemade basil pesto ties everything together with its aromatic herbaceousness. Option for a grilled caprese sandwich version!
Ingredients
Caprese Sandwich
- 1 loaf of ciabatta or ciabatta rolls, focaccia bread, or sourdough bread sliced into 8 equal slices
- 8 ounces buffalo mozzarella (or fresh mozzarella of choice), sliced
- 1 tablespoon thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups baby arugula
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- Flaky sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmigiano cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Basil Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Take each slice of bread and spread a generous amount of basil pesto on one side.
- On 4 slices of bread, layer the buffalo mozzarella slices evenly. Top the mozzarella with slices of tomato and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or kosher salt. Add a handful of baby arugula on top of the tomato slices.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (if using) over the arugula.
- Place the remaining slices of bread pesto side down on top of each sandwich to close them.
Grill the Sandwiches (this is optional you can enjoy as is from steps above):
- Brush the outer sides of each sandwich with olive oil.
- Place the sandwiches on the preheated panini press or grill pan.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- If using a grill pan, press the sandwiches down with a spatula while cooking to flatten them slightly.
- Once done and golden brown, remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool for a minute before serving.
- Serve: Cut each sandwich in half diagonally. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Caprese sandwich with basil pesto!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if grilling)
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
This was a quick, easy and tasty lunch. I even made the pesto from scratch and we were eating in about 30 minutes.
Yay for the homemade pesto! It really adds the perfect fresh touch.
We had these for lunch and my daughter, granddaughters & myself LOVED them! Heated them on the griddle.
So easy & yummy!
Easy summer lunch. I’m happy you and the girls loved it.