Just like the classic salad, layers of fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy tomatoes are paired with basil and balsamic glaze, but instead of just basil, we’re making a fresh homemade creamy basil pesto. I am in love with all things Caprese: Caprese Salad, Caprese Pasta Salad, and my Burrata Caprese Salad are in a pretty solid rotation at my house all year long, but especially in the summer when the tomatoes are fresh and extra flavorful. This isn’t exactly a caprese salad, but it IS an easy recipe for a caprese sandwich! I’m adding bread to an otherwise carb-free meal to make it extra satisfying and easy to eat with your hands! This sandwich would make the perfect picnic meal! The recipe makes enough for two large sandwiches or four smaller ones, so you can share it with your favorite people.
Caprese Sandwich Recipe Highlights
Key Ingredients
Every ingredient in this sandwich is important! Use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to make the most delicious caprese sandwiches. Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Basil Pesto: I don’t recommend using store-bought pesto for this recipe. It can often taste bitter and bland. Instead, use fresh basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil to make your own fresh basil. We’ll add mayo to the mix to create a pesto aioli that is just amazing! Bread: I suggest using a thick French Baguette for this sandwich. You could also use Ciabatta rolls or toasted Italian Bread. Tomatoes: I’m using three different colors of fresh, juicy heirloom tomatoes for my sandwiches, but any fresh tomatoes will work just fine. Mozzarella: Caprese requires soft, fresh Mozzarella cheese, rather than the firmer cheese that you would use to top pizza or casseroles. But this is a ball or a log, and slice it into rounds. Balsamic Glaze: For a hint of savory, umami, acidic flavor. Look for this glaze near the Italian foods at the store or near the other types of vinegar.
How To Make Fresh Pesto Aioli
How to Make a Caprese Sandwich
Recipe Tips
Make it Ahead: Once you’ve assembled these sandwiches, they’ll be good for just a few hours because the moisture in the tomatoes and basil sauce will make the bread soggy. However, you can prep the ingredients further ahead of time. Take it Outside: If you want to take your sandwiches on a picnic, wrap them well with aluminum foil, or in parchment paper tied with twine for a cute presentation. A Vegan Option: Use sliced avocado in place of the mozzarella cheese, and make vegan pesto sauce with your favorite vegan Parmesan cheese and mayo substitutes. My carrot top pesto recipe would also be delicious, using nutritional yeast in place of the cheese!
Storing Tips
It’s best to enjoy this caprese sandwich within 2-3 hours of putting it together. If you’re not going to eat it immediately, wrap well and store in the fridge.
Additions and Variations
Wondering what else you can add to this simple caprese sandwich? Here are some tasty and flavorful ideas: Bread: Instead of toasted baguette, use soft focaccia, hard rolls, sourdough, or submarine rolls. Greens: Arugula adds a peppery bite to the sandwich, or replace it with baby spinach, crisp romaine, or alfalfa sprouts. Add-ins: Try crispy bacon or pancetta, sundried tomatoes, pickled or fresh red onion, or sliced olives.
What to Serve with Caprese Sandwiches
These simple sandwiches pair wonderfully with cold salads such as Pesto Potato Salad, Green Goddess Salad, or Tortellini Salad. You might also like to try some of my Italian-inspired soups, like Minestrone, Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup, or White Bean Soup.
What else can I do with Pesto Aioli?
This creamy homemade condiment can be used on any type of sandwich! You can see how I use pesto to make a delicious chicken pesto sandwich. It’s delicious with turkey, sliced chicken, or your favorite deli meats too.
What’s the best way to toast baguettes for sandwiches?
You probably can’t fit a sliced baguette in your standard toaster, but it’s easy to toast up in the oven! Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for a fan oven, and toast the rolls, cut side up, on a baking sheet for about 6 minutes.
Can I make my own balsamic glaze?
If you can’t find it in the store, it’s easy to make a balsamic reduction from scratch! Simply cook 2 cups of balsamic vinegar with a ½ cup of brown sugar in a saucepan at low heat until it’s thick and syrupy. You’re going to love this easy-to-prepare Caprese Sandwich Recipe! The homemade Peso Aioli is delicious on so many other things, so feel free to make extra! © Little Sunny Kitchen
