Quick Look at this Caprese Sandwich with Pesto
- Ready In: 15 minutes!
- Serves: 2
- Main Ingredients: foccacia bread, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, arugula, balsamic glaze & the best homemade pesto!
- Dietary Info: gluten-free friendly & vegetarian
- Why You’ll Love It: Alright, let’s set the stage… you are in the dog days of summer and the idea of cooking something hot for dinner sounds awful! You want something fresh, delicious, minimal cooking and not another burger. That is the exact moment when we reach for these simple caprese sandwiches that were inspired by our favorite summer salad, the classic caprese salad!
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Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- Pesto – whether you make your own homemade pesto recipe, dairy-free pesto, or a store-bought version just be sure to be generous when spreading on the bread!
- Fresh Mozzarella – there is simply nothing better!
- Tomatoes – the perfect recipe for tomato season as they are popping out of the garden or at the farmer’s market.
- Arugula – highly recommend adding the fresh crunch or swap it out for fresh spinach!
- Balsamic Glaze – learn how to make balsamic glaze yourself or pick some up at the store.
How To Make Caprese Sandwiches
Step 1 – Butter both sides of each bread slice and grill for 30-60 seconds.
Step 2 – Spread pesto on one slice and start piling on the fillings.
Can I Add a Protein to a Caprese Sandwich?
Absolutely! This caprese sandwich recipe would also be great with some thinly sliced grilled chicken cutlets.
Step 3 – Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and some pesto to the top slice of bread. Cut & serve!
Best Ways To Serve A Caprese Sandwich
This meatless main course can be enjoyed all on its own or with a side dish to round out the meal. We love to enjoy it with a strawberry spinach salad, fresh fruit, or since you already have the grill heated up, you can make some grilled vegetables!
Other Easy Caprese Recipes You Might Like
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Ingredients
Grilled Bread:
- 1-2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 2 slices foccacia bread, or sourdough bread
Sandwich Fillings:
- 2-4 tablespoons fresh basil pesto, sub store-bought or dairy-free pesto
- 2 thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 thick slices fresh tomatoes
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 1 handful fresh arugula
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon balsamic glaze
- sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Ensure grill grates are clean and preheat grill to a medium-high heat.
- Grill Bread: Spread 1-2 tablespoons butter on both sides of the bread slices. Place the slices directly on the grill grates over high heat, butter-side down. You may have some flare-ups, but you can actually keep the grill lid open and let the flames char the bread. Cook over direct heat for 30-60 seconds (or until slightly charred). Flip for an additional 30-60 seconds. Transfer to plate.
- Assemble Sandwich: On one slice of grilled bread, spread some pesto on one side (be generous). Top with 2 thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese, 2 thick slices fresh tomatoes, 4 fresh basil leaves, 1 handful fresh arugula and then drizzle with ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and ½ tablespoon balsamic glaze. Season with sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Top with the other piece of grilled bread (feel free to put some pesto on that side too for good measure).
- Serve: Cut in half and enjoy!
Notes
- Melted: feel free to build the sandwich and place on a baking sheet in the oven at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese just starts to melt – you could also use a panini press or grill pan, if you wanted!
- Gluten-Free: option to use gluten-free bread here!
- No Grill? No problem! We have also used a large skillet on the stovetop to toast the bread and it works great. You won’t get the char marks, but it will toast up nicely and still be delicious!
Stefanie T says
Best caprese sandwich!! Don’t sleep on making the fresh pesto. Super easy, and soo flavorful. My picky husband even enjoyed this. Thank you Erin for a great recipe!!
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed this one, Stefanie!!
Bridget Montag says
The best sandwich ever! I have made this at least 3 or 4 times in the last 2 weeks!! So good!!