Caprese Panini

Name: Caprese Panini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 ciabatta or sourdough rolls, sliced; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced; Fresh basil leaves; 2–3 tbsp pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional but common); Extra-virgin olive oil or softened butter (for brushing); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

A warm, melty Italian sandwich made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, and a touch of balsamic or pesto, pressed until crisp and golden. Simple, satisfying, and full of classic Caprese flavor.

Nov 28, 2025 - 13:50

Dec 10, 2025 - 17:22

0 0

Caprese Panini

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 8 min

Serving 2

Difficulty Easy

The Caprese Panini takes the traditional Caprese salad—mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—and transforms it into a warm pressed sandwich. Quality ingredients matter: use ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and sturdy bread like ciabatta or sourdough. Optional additions like pesto or balsamic glaze deepen the flavor without straying from authenticity.

Ingredients

2 ciabatta or sourdough rolls, sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
2–3 tbsp pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional but common)
Extra-virgin olive oil or softened butter (for brushing)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Nutritional Information

Calories: 520

Carbohydrates: 45g

Protein: 25g

Fat: 28g

Sodium: varies by bread and cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the bread

Slice the ciabatta or sourdough rolls horizontally.
If the bread is very thick, you can lightly press it with your hands to make it easier to grill evenly

2. Prep the fillings

Slice the mozzarella into even pieces so they melt uniformly.
Slice the tomatoes into medium-thick rounds—too thin and they release too much liquid; too thick and they won't heat through properly.
Wash and dry the basil leaves to prevent moisture from softening the bread.

3. Assemble the panini

Lay out the open rolls.
Add a thin layer of pesto on each side if using.
If not, drizzle a small amount of olive oil instead.
Place the mozzarella slices evenly across the bottom half of each roll.
Layer tomato slices on top of the mozzarella.
Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the tomato and cheese flavor.
Add a generous handful of fresh basil leaves.
Close the sandwiches firmly.

4. Prepare the cooking surface

Preheat a panini press, grill pan, or regular skillet over medium heat.
Brush the outside of each sandwich lightly with olive oil or butter. This ensures crisp, golden crust

5. Cook the panini

Place the sandwiches in the press or pan.
If using a grill pan or skillet, place a heavy pan on top to press them down.
Cook 3–4 minutes per side (or 5–7 minutes total in a press), until the bread is golden and the mozzarella is fully melted.

6. Check doneness

Gently press the top; melted mozzarella should start to ooze slightly at the edges.
If the bread darkens too quickly, reduce the heat to avoid burning while the cheese finishes melting.