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.

Can I grill the sandwiches without a panini press?

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.

Caprese Sandwich Recipe with Basil Pesto (Panini)

Name: Best Caprese Sandwich with Basil Pesto (Panini)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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 ½ cups baby arugula; 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds; Flaky sea salt or kosher salt; 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed; ⅓ cup pine nuts; ⅓ cup grated parmigiano cheese; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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

Units Scale

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

Basil Pesto:

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

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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