Go Back
Sliced Grilled Caprese Sandwich Sitting on a Cutting Board Surrounded by Tomato Slices, Basil Leaves, and Mozzarela

Grilled Caprese Sandwich

A summer grilled Caprese panini on ciabatta: pesto, fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato, basil and balsamic vinaigrette, brushed with olive oil and pressed until golden and melty. Tastes like the Starbucks tomato mozzarella sandwich.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Lunch, Sandwich
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf ciabatta bread
  • 1/4 cup pesto jarred or homemade
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 1 large tomato sliced
  • 8-10 fresh basil leaves
  • 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or baking spray

Method
 

  1. Cut the ciabatta in half lengthwise with a serrated knife and spread both halves generously with pesto.
  2. Layer on the sliced mozzarella and tomato and scatter the basil leaves over the top.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette, close the sandwich and brush the outside with olive oil.
  4. Cut into portions before grilling so the filling does not ooze out later.
  5. Press in a panini maker 4-5 minutes until browned and the cheese melts, or use a grill pan and flip once.

Notes

Fresh mozzarella from the specialty cheese aisle is saltier and fresher than deli slices. Same ingredients make a 5-ingredient tomato basil pizza.