Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Tomato relish, basil pesto, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, bread roll
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Ingredients
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Bread & Assembly
Fresh cheese & produce
Tomato relish
Basil pesto
Balsamic glaze
Method
Tomato relish
- 1
Prepare relish
Place halved grape or cherry tomatoes and the finely diced red onion in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to combine. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour) to macerate and develop flavor; stir occasionally.
Basil pesto
- 2
Make pesto
In a small food processor or blender, combine 1 cup packed basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and the garlic clove. Pulse while slowly drizzling in 3 tablespoons olive oil until a smooth but slightly textured paste forms. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) black pepper; pulse once more to incorporate. Taste and adjust salt or oil for desired consistency.
Balsamic glaze
- 3
Reduce balsamic
Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar or honey into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half and syrupy (about 8–12 minutes). Remove from heat — it will thicken more as it cools. Let cool to room temperature.
Fresh cheese & produce
- 4
Prep cheese and tomatoes
Slice fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch (about 0.6 cm) thick slices. Slice the 3 medium ripe tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Lay tomato slices on a plate, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; let sit 5–10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat both mozzarella and tomatoes lightly with paper towel if very wet.
- 5
Prepare basil
Rinse and dry basil leaves thoroughly. Choose whole leaves for assembly (about 6 leaves per sandwich) or chiffonade if preferred.
Bread & Assembly
- 6
- 7
Assemble sandwiches
Spread about 1 tablespoon of basil pesto onto the bottom half of each roll. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the tomato relish over the pesto, distributing evenly among sandwiches. Layer sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the relish (about 3 oz per sandwich). Add fresh basil leaves on top of the mozzarella (about 6 leaves per sandwich). Drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of balsamic glaze over the basil and cheese. Close sandwiches with top halves of the rolls.
- 8
Finish & serve
Press sandwiches gently to help them hold together. If serving warm, grill assembled sandwiches in a skillet or panini press over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until cheese softens slightly and bread is crisp. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately.