Caprese Recipe
Focaccia, sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, arugula, balsamic, olive oil
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Ingredients
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Bread base
Toppings
Dressings & finishes
Method
Bread base
- 1
Prepare and toast focaccia
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the focaccia horizontally into two even layers (if using a whole focaccia) or into serving-sized slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet cut-side up. Brush each slice with 1 tbs of the extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle evenly with the 1 tsp fine salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toast in the oven 6–8 minutes, until the bread is warmed through and the edges are lightly golden. Remove and set aside on a rack.
Toppings
- 2
Prepare tomatoes and mozzarella
While focaccia toasts, slice the tomatoes 1/4–1/2 inch thick and drain any excess juice on paper towels for 5 minutes to prevent soggy bread. Slice or tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces about the same footprint as the tomato slices. Pat the mozzarella lightly to remove excess moisture.
- 3
Assemble main layers
On each toasted focaccia slice, arrange a single layer of tomato slices leaving a small border. Season the tomato layer lightly with a pinch of the finishing sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Top tomatoes with the mozzarella slices, distributing the 8 oz evenly across the focaccia. If you prefer warm mozzarella, return the assembled focaccia to the oven for 2–3 minutes to soften the cheese slightly; otherwise proceed cold.
- 4
Add fresh greens and basil
Scatter the baby arugula evenly over the mozzarella (about 1 cup total), then tuck whole basil leaves across the top (about 1 cup loosely packed). The basil can be left whole or torn for more even distribution.
Dressings & finishes
- 5
Finish and serve
Drizzle the assembled focaccia with 1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil, then artistically drizzle or dot the balsamic glaze (about 2 tbs) over the top. Finish with the remaining 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper distributed over the entire sandwich. Let rest 1–2 minutes so flavors meld, then slice into serving portions and serve immediately.
