Savor the taste of Italy with this Caprese Sandwich, where fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in perfect harmony. Ideal for a quick lunch or a delightful picnic treat!
Steps
1. Slice the focaccia bread in half.
2. Layer arugula, mozzarella slices, and tomato slices on the bottom half of the bread.
3. Optionally, add roasted cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions.
4. Place fresh basil leaves on top of the layered ingredients.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the sandwich filling.
6. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Cover with the top half of the bread.
8. For a vegan alternative, replace mozzarella with sliced avocado and add vegan pesto.
Ingredients
- Focaccia bread (4 squares, sliced in half)
- Arugula (handful)
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (1 ball, 8 ounces, sliced)
- Large tomatoes (2, sliced)
- Roasted cherry tomatoes (optional, ? cup)
- Pickled red onions (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: N/A | Total Fat: N/A | Saturated Fat: N/A | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: N/A | Sodium: N/A | Total Carbohydrates: N/A | Dietary Fiber: N/A | Sugars: N/A | Protein: N/A
FAQ
- What is a Caprese sandwich?
- A Caprese sandwich is a simple yet flavorful combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves layered between slices of bread, often drizzled with olive oil.
- What type of bread is best for a Caprese sandwich?
- Chewy, savory focaccia is a great choice, but fresh baguette, ciabatta rolls, or crusty sourdough also work well.
- Can I make a vegan version of the Caprese sandwich?
- Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with sliced avocado and use vegan pesto for added richness.
- What extra ingredients can enhance a Caprese sandwich?
- Roasted cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions add bright, umami flavors to the sandwich, though they are optional.
- How can I make the sandwich more flavorful?
- Drizzle the sandwich filling with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
- Can I prepare a Caprese sandwich ahead of time?
- Yes, it holds up well for several hours, making it ideal for picnics or packed lunches. Wrap it in aluminum foil or use a reusable sandwich wrap.
- What are some variations of the Caprese sandwich?
- You can toast the bread, make a grilled version, add a balsamic drizzle, or spread basil pesto on the bread for extra flavor.
- What sides pair well with a Caprese sandwich?
- It pairs nicely with chips, fresh fruit, chopped veggies, or dips like hummus. It also complements salads like cucumber, broccoli, or chickpea salad.
Tips
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients: Opt for juicy, ripe summer tomatoes, fragrant basil, and fresh mozzarella to enhance the sandwich’s flavors.
- Choose good bread: Consider using chewy focaccia, a fresh baguette, ciabatta rolls, or crusty sourdough for the base of your sandwich.
- Tear large basil leaves: If your basil leaves are large, tear them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
- Enhance flavors with extras: Add roasted cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions for additional flavor complexity.
- Don’t skip seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to bring out the flavors of the tomatoes and basil.
- Consider toasting the bread: Brush the bread with olive oil and toast it in the oven or on a grill for extra texture and flavor.
- Try a grilled version: Make a grilled Caprese sandwich similarly to a grilled cheese, especially using sliced sourdough bread.
- Add balsamic for extra tang: Drizzle balsamic vinegar or glaze on your sandwich for a sweet and tangy kick.
- Use pesto for more basil flavor: Spread basil pesto on the bread to intensify the basil taste.
- Make it vegan: Replace mozzarella with sliced avocado and use vegan pesto for a plant-based alternative.
- Prepare in advance: The sandwich holds up well for several hours, making it ideal for picnics or packed lunches. Wrap it in foil or secure it with a toothpick to maintain its shape.
- Pair with sides: Serve with chips, fresh fruit, or salads like cucumber salad or chickpea salad for a complete meal.