Description
This Best Caprese Sandwich with Basil Pesto (Panini) is a fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired sandwich that combines creamy buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, peppery arugula, and a vibrant homemade basil pesto, all pressed between crusty ciabatta bread. Perfectly grilled on a panini press or a grill pan, this sandwich offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes—melty cheese, tangy balsamic drizzle, and aromatic herbs—ready in just 15 minutes for a satisfying lunch or easy dinner.
Ingredients
Basil Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- ⅓ cup grated parmigiano cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sandwich
- 1 loaf ciabatta or ciabatta rolls
- 8 ounces buffalo mozzarella (or fresh mozzarella of choice, sliced)
- 1 tablespoon thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ cups baby arugula
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds)
- Flaky sea salt or kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Basil Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Take each slice of bread and spread a generous amount of basil pesto on one side. On 4 slices of bread, layer buffalo mozzarella slices evenly, then top with tomato slices and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or kosher salt. Add a handful of baby arugula on top of the tomatoes.
- Add Balsamic Drizzle: Drizzle balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the arugula if using. Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices with the pesto side down to close them.
- Grill the Sandwiches (Optional): Brush the outer sides of each sandwich with olive oil. Place sandwiches on the preheated panini press or grill pan. Grill for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is toasted and cheese is melted. If using a grill pan, press sandwiches down gently with a spatula to flatten slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove sandwiches when golden brown and allow to cool for a minute. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half and serve warm to enjoy the full flavors of the Caprese sandwich with basil pesto.
Notes
- You can enjoy the sandwich without grilling if preferred for a fresher, cooler option.
- Substitute buffalo mozzarella with fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the pesto to taste.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang but is optional.
- Pressing the sandwich while grilling enhances melting and texture.
- Use a grill pan if a panini press is not available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
