The Caprese Sandwich takes everything people love about the classic Italian Caprese salad and turns it into a hearty, handheld meal. With just a few ingredients, this sandwich delivers layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent yet refreshing. Juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze come together on a crisp, chewy loaf of bread to create something that’s both rustic and elegant.
At its core, the Caprese Sandwich is a celebration of quality ingredients. Since there’s no heavy seasoning or complicated prep involved, every component needs to shine. Fresh mozzarella offers a soft, mild creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the bright acidity of sliced tomatoes. Basil adds that unmistakable herbal note, and the balsamic glaze ties it all together with a hint of sweetness and tang.
Bread plays a starring role, too. A good ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough provides structure and crunch, balancing the softness of the filling. Lightly toasting the bread enhances the flavor and helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy, especially if you’re adding extras like olive oil or pesto.
The Caprese Sandwich is versatile enough to be customized. A smear of pesto adds richness and depth, while arugula or spinach brings a peppery bite. Want to make it a little heartier? Add grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, or a slice of prosciutto. Even warm versions, pressed like a panini, are a delicious twist on the original.
Perfect for picnics, work lunches, or quick dinners, the Caprese Sandwich proves that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. It’s an easy go-to that feels both wholesome and satisfying, with a Mediterranean touch that makes every bite feel like summer. Whether served solo or paired with a soup or salad, it’s a meal that always hits the mark.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread use crusty or ciabatta bread for best results
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese fresh mozzarella is recommended
- 2 slices tomato ripe and juicy
- several leaves fresh basil washed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction for drizzling
Instructions
- Take the slices of bread and layer them with mozzarella cheese slices.
- Add the tomato slices over the mozzarella.
- Place fresh basil leaves on top of the tomato slices.
- Drizzle balsamic reduction over the basil and close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
Nutrition
Caprese is sooo overrated! 1 star!!!
This sandwich is a game changer! So fresh and delicious. I used ciabatta and it was perfect. 5 stars!
Eh, my sandwich fell apart. Balsamic was too much for me. 😕
Looks good, but what if I don’t like tomatoes? Can I put something else? 🤔
You can definitely replace tomatoes! Try avocados or even roasted peppers for a yummy twist! 😍
I think it won’t be the same without tomatoes. Just a thought… 🤷♂️
I did it with sliced avocado instead of tomato and it was so good! 5 stars for creativity!
Yum! I added some pesto and it took it to the next level. Highly recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I don’t get the hype. Just bread and cheese? I mean, where’s the flavor? Not worth it. 2/5.
I made this for lunch and my kids loved it! Simple and tasty. Will make again! 4/5
I’m so glad to hear your kids enjoyed it! Caprese sandwiches are super easy and delicious. Great choice!
This sounds fancy but actually easy to make. Glad I found this recipe. Thanks! 4/5.
I totally agree! It looks like a gourmet meal but it’s so simple. Can’t wait to try it out! 😊
Just ok. Seemed kinda bland to me. Maybe you should use more balsamic?
So easy to make! I didn’t have balsamic reduction, used olive oil instead. Still yummy!
This sandwich is amazing! The fresh basil adds such a nice touch. Definitely making this again!
I totally agree! The basil really makes it pop. I love how simple yet delicious this sandwich is. Will try it next week!
Sounds good, but I don’t think basil is that great. I prefer spinach. Anyone tried it with spinach instead?
This looks fresh and easy! I want to make it for my picnic. Thanks!
Deliciousness overload! I made this for lunch and my kids loved it too. Highly recommend!
I added some pesto to it and it was amazing! Yum! 😋
Yum! 😋
Love Caprese! So simple and quick. I threw in some pesto and it was out of this world!
Pesto sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time!
What’s balsamic? I used vinegar from the kitchen and it was still good enough for me.
It’s just bread and cheese, right? Didn’t see why everyone raves about it. Just ok.
I’m imagining adding some pesto next time 🤔 that sounds like a good idea!
I think that’s a great idea! Pesto would really add flavor. 😋
I dunno if pesto fits, isn’t that a bit much? 🤨
Caprese? Is that Italian? Feels more like gourmet sandwich to me. Not bad, but overrated.
Too boring, wasn’t anything special. Just tomatoes and cheese. 🙁
I tried it but I think it needs a bit more flavor. Maybe some garlic would help?
Why would you use bread that is crusty? That’s just dumb. Soft bread is better!!
I can’t find fresh mozzarella anywhere! Ended up using cheddar. Oops!
Looks good but I think it needs somethin’ more. Maybe some avocado or even some turkey?
Tried it, but the sandwich turned out too soggy for my taste. Not sure about the balsamic…
Its like the author never heard of garlic! Where’s the garlic?!
Absolutely loved this sandwich! The fresh mozzarella is a game changer. 5 stars!
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to make this sandwich. Fresh mozzarella sounds delicious!
Yum! I also added some pesto and it was the bomb! Might be my new favorite lunch.
Fresh mozzarella is too much work to find. I used cheddar and it was great! But, it’s not really a Caprese then, huh? 🤷♀️
Cheddar is good too! It’s all about what you like, right? But yeah, not a true Caprese. Still sounds yum. 😋
Yeah, I tried making this but I only had sliced cheese… wasn’t the same. 😂
Lol, you shoulda just gone to the store! Fresh mozzarella makes a HUGE difference! 🤦♀️
Sliced cheese isn’t bad, just not the same vibe! Maybe try it with fresh mozzarella next time? 🤷♂️
This is basically a salad on bread lol. What’s the big deal? 🤔
This sandwich was super good! The fresh basil made a big difference.
Totally agree! Basil really makes it pop. I added some avocado too!
This seems simple, but what’s so special about basil? It’s just leaves.
Not sure why everyone loves this. It was just okay for me. Too much bread.
I get what you’re saying! Everyone has different tastes, but to me, the bread is what makes it great! Maybe try it with less bread next time? 🤷♀️
This sandwich is so fresh and delish! I love the combination of flavors. Will definitely make again!
Caprese is always a win! Simple but fresh and fulfilling! #loveit
I mean, who puts balsamic on a sandwich? That’s just weird. 🤔
Yum! I added some pepperoni and it was amazing! Next level sandwich!
Pepperoni? That’s interesting! I never thought of adding that to a Caprese sandwich. Might have to try it!