Try our fresh and flavorful Caprese Sandwich recipe! Made with basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and tangy balsamic glaze, this quick and easy sandwich is perfect for summer lunches or dinners.

Side view of a tomato and cheese sandwich.

There’s something truly magical about the combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.

These caprese sandwiches don’t just look amazing but they taste fantastic.

I first fell in love with this simple sandwich during our time living in Southern California.

The lively farmers’ markets there always had the freshest ingredients. Those ingredients inspired and John and me to make these easy caprese sandwiches.

Made with basil pesto, thick-sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and tangy balsamic glaze, they are quick and easy to make, perfect for lunch, or even as a lighter fare for dinner.

They’re one of our favorite summer sandwich ideas.

Try more fresh flavors with recipes like our Greek Orzo Salad, Cheesy Crumb Tomatoes, and Tomato Basil Pasta!

Oh, and if you’re simply craving more caprese, you’ve got to try our favorite Chicken Caprese.

Expert Tips to Make the Best Caprese Sandwich

Tips

Toasting Tips: If you’d like to toast the sandwiches, place the assembled sandwiches in a toaster oven until they are warmed to your liking. Another option is to toast the ciabatta before assembling.

Fresh Basil: Make sure you’re using fresh, not dried basil in this recipe! Also, take a look at your basil leaves. They should be vibrant green in color and not have any dark spots or other discolorations.

Tomato Choice: Any tomatoes work well in this recipe. Just make sure you slice them nice and thick for the best bite! Beefsteak or on-the-vine tomatoes are our favorites.

Seasoning: When it comes to the salt and pepper, don’t be too heavy-handed. You don’t want them (especially the salt) to overpower the other ingredients.

Storage

Wrap extra or leftover sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the ingredients separate and assemble the sandwiches just prior to serving.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Absolutely! While homemade basil pesto is always delicious, store-bought pesto works perfectly and saves time.

Fresh mozzarella is ideal for this recipe. It has a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. You can find it in most grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese section.

Definitely! You can customize your sandwich by adding ingredients like avocado, arugula, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a light salad, a cup of soup, or some crispy baked fries. For a heartier meal, try serving them with bacon cheeseburger soup.

For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Prep the ingredients in advance, store them separately, and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

More Recipes to Try

Close up view of tomato and mozzarella salad on a plate.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Flatbread

The lemon basil vinaigrette in a glass cruet.

Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

An aerial view of the rigatoni caprese in a pan.

Rigatoni Caprese Pasta