Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil make an irresistible Caprese Sandwich you’ll turn to again and again for a quick and healthy meal.
Table of Contents
When you hear “Caprese”, you likely envision the simple yet timeless Caprese salad. The Caprese sandwich is modeled after that classic dish.
“Caprese” refers to the enchanting island of Capri, where this dish is said to have its roots. It comprises juicy tomatoes, velvety mozzarella, fragrant basil, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic, and a sprinkle of salt. For the sandwich, just add bread.
A Caprese sandwich not only pleases the palate but also captivates the eyes with its red, white and green hues, reminiscent of the Italian flag. It works perfectly as an appetizer, side dish or even a light meal. For many people, to enjoy this sandwich is to enjoy the taste of summer.
Every summer, I grow tomatoes and basil in the backyard for the sole purpose of enjoying Caprese salads and sandwiches (and a bit of homemade bruschetta) all season long. Nothing beats a fresh, homegrown tomato (but I won’t judge if you use store-bought tomatoes to make this recipe!). Speaking of which, let’s do that now!
Is a Caprese Sandwich Healthy?
A Caprese sandwich is a wholesome choice that you can enjoy guilt-free. The tomatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium and antioxidants that support your immune system and promote radiant skin. Then comes the fresh mozzarella cheese, which offers protein and calcium, important for maintaining strong muscles and bones.
Let’s not overlook the basil! This fragrant herb isn’t just used for its taste. It’s also packed with vitamins K and A, iron, and antioxidants. Basil aids in reducing inflammation and also has antibacterial properties. The drizzle of olive oil introduces good fats into the mix, beneficial for heart health and cholesterol levels.
Besides all that good news, when you use whole grain bread, you’re incorporating fiber into your sandwich, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full.
The secret is in the bread
With all the beautiful ingredients in a Caprese sandwich, it’s tough to choose which one “makes” the sandwich. You may be surprised to hear that the whole grain bread is critical to a good Caprese sandwich. It has a slightly nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It is also dense enough to withstand the fillings, preventing your sandwich from becoming soggy. So when you’re preparing a Caprese sandwich, don’t settle for a soft white bread; go for something like whole grain—hearty with just the right amount of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 slices of whole grain bread, toasted
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Toast
Prepare your bread.
Layer
Assemble mozzarella and tomatoes on bread.
Garnish
Add basil, balsamic glaze, olive oil, and top with bread.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Once your Caprese sandwich is made, you may not be able to finish it all, so you will want to save the leftovers. It’s also nice to make an extra sandwich or two while you have all the ingredients ready, so you can store the extras for later. However, it can be tricky storing leftover sandwiches. So place them in a food-safe storage bag and keep them in the refrigerator for a day or two. After that, the basil will wilt and the bread will become soggy from the moisture. Another option, especially if you are making extras for later, is to save the sandwich toppings separate from the bread. You can then put the prepared toppings on the sandwich when you are ready to eat.
With so many tomatoes available, which is best for your Caprese sandwich? Sandwich connoisseurs and chefs alike will agree that a large tomato like a beefsteak is perfect for a sandwich. Bigger tomatoes slice nicely and fit perfectly on a piece of bread. Smaller tomatoes, such as the Roma, work nicely because they have few seeds; however, they won’t slice as well for the sandwich.
Definitely! While the hearty whole grain bread works really well for this sandwich, it is not a safe option for gluten-free diets. Instead, choose a dense gluten-free bread or sprouted bread. You can also opt for corn tortillas and create a Caprese wrap. If you don’t enjoy any of these options, consider skipping the bread altogether and eat your Caprese as a salad.
Serving Suggestions
Admit it, your first thought when considering what to serve with any sandwich is potato chips. You are not alone. Try our air fryer potato chips or air fryer tortilla chips for a salty fix that will balance out the soft bread nicely. Other favorites include the best potato salad or macaroni salad for a lunch or dinner with a summer vibe. A refreshing broccoli salad also works well and helps to create a healthy meal full of lots of veggies.
Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices of whole grain bread toasted
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 1 large ripe tomato sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Toast the bread slices until they are golden and crisp to your liking.
-
Layer the mozzarella slices evenly over two slices of the toasted bread.
-
Place tomato slices on top of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Add fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes.
-
Drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil over the basil.
-
Top with the remaining slices of toasted bread, press gently, and cut the sandwiches in half.
Nutrition
The post Caprese Sandwich appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
