Why You’ll Love Caprese Sandwich Recipe
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It’s incredibly simple — just a handful of fresh ingredients, but they shine together.
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It’s fast to prepare, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners.
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The combination of creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and peppery arugula never fails to satisfy.
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You can easily tweak it to your preference: make it vegan, add extra flavor with pesto or balsamic, or toast the bread for extra crunch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Good bread — such as focaccia, a fresh baguette, ciabatta roll, or crusty sourdough
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Fresh mozzarella cheese
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Tomatoes (any variety you like)
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Fresh basil leaves
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Arugula
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Optional: roasted cherry tomatoes
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Optional: pickled red onions
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Extra‑virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
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Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
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Slice the bread and prepare your filling ingredients: slice the mozzarella and tomatoes; rinse and drain the arugula and basil (tear basil if leaves are large).
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On the bottom slice of bread, layer arugula, mozzarella, and tomato slices. If you’re using roasted cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions, add them now.
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Top with fresh basil leaves.
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Drizzle generously with extra‑virgin olive oil, then season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Place the top half of the bread on the filling to close the sandwich.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Total time: about 15 minutes
Variations
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Toast the bread: brush the cut side of each piece of bread with olive oil and toast lightly in the oven or on a grill pan for extra crunch.
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Make a grilled Caprese sandwich: assemble the sandwich and then grill it like a grilled cheese — this works especially well with sliced sourdough bread.
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Add balsamic flavor: finish the sandwich with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.
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Use basil pesto: spread store‑bought or homemade basil pesto on the bread for extra herbal richness.
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Go vegan: replace the cheese with sliced avocado and spread vegan pesto on the bread — still delicious and satisfying.
Storage/Reheating
This sandwich is great for picnics or packed lunches because — once assembled — it holds up relatively well for a few hours without getting soggy. If you want to store it, wrap it in foil or a reusable sandwich wrap (or secure it with a toothpick) so it stays together. If you prefer a warm sandwich, toast the assembled sandwich lightly before serving.
FAQs
What kind of bread is best for a Caprese sandwich?
You can use focaccia, ciabatta, a baguette, or crusty sourdough. The key is a bread with a sturdy crust and chewy interior so that it holds up well without getting soggy.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time for lunch box or picnic?
Yes — the sandwich holds up for several hours, especially if wrapped well (foil or sandwich wrap), thanks to the firm mozzarella and sturdy bread.
Can I make the sandwich vegan?
Yes. Instead of mozzarella, you can use sliced avocado and spread vegan pesto on the bread for a creamy and flavorful alternative.
What can I serve with this sandwich?
It’s great with chips, fresh fruit, or chopped veggies with a dip (like hummus). You can also pair it with salads — cucumber salad, chickpea salad, or a simple green salad work well.
How can I add more flavor to the sandwich?
You can drizzle balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, or spread basil pesto on the bread. Pickled red onions or roasted cherry tomatoes add extra depth too.
Is toasting or grilling the sandwich recommended?
Yes — toasting or grilling adds a nice crunch and warms the cheese slightly, which enhances the flavors. It’s especially good with sourdough bread.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can substitute with basil pesto — store‑bought or homemade. It offers a slightly different but still complementary flavor profile.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or eggplant could be great. Or add greens like spinach or arugula for extra freshness.
How should I season the sandwich for best flavor?
Don’t skip the salt, pepper, and olive oil — they bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes and tie all the flavors together.
Can I make this sandwich gluten‑free?
Yes. Use a gluten‑free bread or roll instead of focaccia or baguette. As long as the bread is sturdy enough, the sandwich will still work well.
Conclusion
This Caprese sandwich is a beautiful example of how a few fresh, high-quality ingredients can come together to create a delicious, satisfying meal. It’s quick to assemble, versatile, and perfect for a summer lunch, picnic, or light dinner. Whether you go classic, vegan, toasted or grilled, you’re in for a treat — a simple sandwich that tastes far more gourmet than the effort it takes.
