I love to make this Caprese sandwich recipe for summer picnics. Stuffed with basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese, it's simple and delicious.
I could eat this Caprese sandwich for lunch every day in the summer. It’s essentially a classic Caprese salad between bread. I layer on juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
The combination is super simple, but in the summer, you can’t beat it. Tomatoes and basil are both at their best, and they fill this Caprese sandwich with flavor. The tomatoes are sweet, tangy, and juicy. The basil is fresh and fragrant, with a hint of spice. Add rich mozzarella and a drizzle of fruity olive oil to the mix, and you have a perfect (especially picnic-perfect!) sandwich.
Fun fact: This combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil was what first got me excited about cooking with seasonal ingredients. Jack and I were on a trip to Italy, and we ate Caprese salad after Caprese salad, wondering how something so simple could taste so good.
If you’ve never tried a Caprese sandwich before (or salad, for that matter), I hope you’ll make this recipe this summer. It shows that as long as your ingredients are fresh, good cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Enjoy!
Caprese Sandwich Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Caprese sandwich recipe:
- Good bread – I love to make this Caprese sandwich on chewy, savory focaccia bread. Fresh baguette, ciabatta rolls, and crusty sourdough are good options too.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese – It offers a rich, creamy contrast to the fresh tomatoes and basil.
- Tomatoes – Any variety will work here. Use the best ones you can find!
- Fresh basil leaves – A Caprese sandwich essential! If your leaves are particularly large, tear them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the sandwich.
- Arugula – For a little crunch and extra green.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions – I list these ingredients as optional, but if you can, use them! Their bright, umami flavors take this recipe over the top.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper – They tie it all together and make the flavors pop!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make a Caprese Sandwich
This Caprese sandwich recipe is easy to make!
Slice the bread, and then layer on the arugula, mozzarella, and tomato slices. If using, add the roasted tomatoes and pickled onions.
Top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the sandwich filling with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before topping with the remaining bread.
Variations
- Toast the bread. Before assembling the sandwich, brush the cut side of each piece of bread with olive oil. Toast it in the oven or on a grill pan until lightly golden brown.
- Make a grilled Caprese sandwich. Cook the sandwich as you would any grilled cheese. This variation works best with sliced sourdough bread.
- Add balsamic. Finish your sandwich with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.
- Bring out the basil. Slather the bread with store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
- Make it vegan. Replace the cheese with sliced avocado, and spread vegan pesto on the bread for extra richness.
Recipe Tips
- Better ingredients = a better sandwich. Because this recipe is so simple, each ingredient really shines through. Always make this recipe in the summer, when juicy, sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil are readily available. And be sure to use fresh mozzarella cheese, not a low-moisture block.
- Don’t forget to season it. The salt, pepper, and olive oil in this recipe might seem like afterthoughts, but they’re just as important as the other ingredients. The salt highlights the sweetness and tang of the tomatoes, and the olive oil ties all the flavors together.
- Make it ahead. This Caprese sandwich is perfect for a picnic or packed lunch! It holds up well for several hours without becoming soggy. Once you’ve assembled the sandwich, wrap it in aluminum foil or a reusable sandwich wrap, or pierce it with a toothpick so that it holds together until you eat.
Caprese Sandwich Serving Suggestions
This Caprese sandwich is a satisfying meal on its own, but it goes well with all sorts of sides, too. You could serve it with your favorite chips and fresh fruit. Or pair it with chopped fresh veggies and a flavorful dip like hummus, baba ganoush, or white bean dip.
It’s also delicious with any of these packable salad recipes:
More Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes
If you love this Caprese sandwich recipe, try one of these vegetarian sandwiches next:
- Chickpea Salad Sandwich
- Egg Salad Sandwich
- Breakfast Sandwich
- Or any of these 12 Vegan Sandwich Recipes!
Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 (3.5-inch) squares Focaccia, sliced in half
- Handful arugula
- 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- â…“ cup Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, optional
- Pickled Red Onions, optional
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Assemble the sandwiches on the focaccia with the arugula, mozzarella, and tomato slices. Add the roasted tomatoes and a few pickled onions, if desired.
- Top with basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
I am going to make this for a family ladies gathering and need something to serve it with. Maybe a pasta salad and fresh fruit with mint and moscato? Start with a sangria….? Hmm, I think that’s it!
Hi Jackie, that sounds like a perfect menu!
Can’t wait to try out some of your recipe, you’re a great cook. Thanks for sharing
Hi Lise, thanks for your comment! I hope you enjoy whatever you try.
This is awesome… I would love to try it once
I’m getting exhausted from cooking all the time, so this is the perfect easy meal I need to make. Will be trying out the vegan version this weekend!
woooww thats yummy..
great time of year for these ingredients, I even just bought a basil plant, can keep putting it to use with these caprese sandwiches, thank you!