Delight in the classic flavors of Italy with this Caprese Sandwich, where fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in perfect harmony. Ideal for a quick lunch or a simple yet satisfying meal.
Steps
1. Slice the bread into halves. Take a loaf of fresh bread and, using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice it into two equal halves. Ensure the cut is even to make assembly easier later.
2. Layer arugula, mozzarella slices, and tomato slices on one half of the bread. Start with a generous handful of fresh arugula as the base. Add slices of fresh mozzarella, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bread. Follow with slices of ripe, juicy tomatoes, overlapping slightly for full coverage.
3. Optionally, add roasted cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions. For added flavor and texture, scatter a few roasted cherry tomatoes across the fillings. If you like a tangy kick, include some thin slices of pickled red onions for a burst of sharpness.
4. Place fresh basil leaves on top of the sandwich fillings. Carefully lay several whole fresh basil leaves over the layers, covering as much of the sandwich filling as possible. This will add a fragrant and herbaceous note to the sandwich.
5. Drizzle the filling with extra-virgin olive oil. Using a small spoon or a bottle with a drizzle spout, lightly pour extra-virgin olive oil over the top of the fillings. Be sure to distribute it evenly to avoid sogginess in one area.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the fillings to enhance their natural flavors. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
7. Top with the other half of the bread. Gently place the second half of the bread on top of the layered fillings. Press lightly to secure the sandwich without squishing the ingredients.
8. For a vegan option, replace mozzarella with sliced avocado and add vegan pesto. If you’re making a vegan version, substitute the mozzarella with thin slices of creamy avocado. Spread a layer of vegan pesto on one side of the bread for an additional burst of flavor. Continue with the remaining steps as outlined above.
Ingredients
- 4 (3.5-inch) squares of focaccia, sliced in half
- Handful of arugula
- 1 (8-ounce) ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- ? cup roasted cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Pickled red onions (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 450 kcal | Total Fat: 27 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 45 mg | Sodium: 780 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 34 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 5 g | Protein: 20 g | Vitamin A: N/A | Vitamin C: N/A | Calcium: 340 mg | Iron: 2.4 mg
FAQ
1. What types of bread are recommended for making a Caprese sandwich?
Crusty breads like ciabatta, baguette, sourdough, or focaccia work best as they hold the moist ingredients without getting soggy.
2. What are some optional ingredients that can enhance the flavors of a Caprese sandwich?
Add roasted cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, balsamic glaze, sun-dried tomatoes, or spreads like pesto or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
3. How can a Caprese sandwich be varied to suit different tastes or dietary preferences?
Use avocado or plant-based mozzarella for vegan options, gluten-free bread for dietary needs, or add proteins like grilled chicken or prosciutto.
4. How can you keep a Caprese sandwich from becoming soggy when made ahead of time?
Toast the bread, layer greens as a barrier, and pack wet ingredients or dressings separately to assemble just before eating.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Peak-season tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella are key to the best flavor.
- Season Well: Enhance with salt, pepper, and high-quality olive oil to bring out the natural flavors.
- Choose the Right Bread: Pick crusty bread like focaccia or ciabatta to balance the textures and hold the fillings.