This Italian caprese sandwich recipe is so simple and easy to make. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be prepared in just minutes. I love having this sandwich during the summer season when fresh tomatoes and basil are in season!
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Recipe summary
To make a caprese sandwich on ciabatta or other Italian bread, you simply slice the tomatoes and cheese just like you would a classic caprese salad. Add in the basil and olive oil with the right type of bread and you’re all set.
I explain in this post (and video) what you need to know to make your sandwich a perfect part of your day!
Ingredients
To make this Italian sandwich, here are the ingredients that you’ll need.
- Ciabatta bread (or other Italian artisan bread)
- Fresh mozzarella (the kind packed in water, NOT slices from the store)
- Fresh tomatoes. Make sure they are meaty and flavorful.
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil. Do not skimp on the extra virgin, make sure it’s a good quality because we aren’t cooking with it, it’s drizzled on right from the bottle.
- Cracked black pepper – optional.
Step by Step
This is such an easy recipe and it tastes so good!
Step 1. Slice and toast the ciabatta bread or other Italian bread which is dense and won’t cause the oil to make a mess. You can see the two types of bread I used in the image further down below.
PRO TIP: Experiment with bread types, but avoid standard sandwich breads. You want artisan breads that will hold the olive oil and tomato juices.
Step 2. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices.
Step 3. Drizzle olive oil on the toasted bread slices.
Step 4. Place the mozzarella and tomatoes on the bread
Step 5. If you are using black pepper, give it dash of the cracked pepper on top of the tomato slices.
Step 6. Top with the fresh basil leaves.
PRO TIP: You can also cut the basil leaves into strips if that makes it easier to eat.
Step 7. Give a final drizzle of olive oil on top of the tomatoes and mozzarella and basil.
Step 8. Place the other slice of ciabatta bread on top and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to use meaty tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are a good example.
- Regarding bread types, I really like the ciabatta bread because it has deep indents that help hold the olive oil and keep it from running off the bread.
- If using a ciabatta loaf, I recommend adding the ingredients to the loaf and then once done, slice into serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
I’d recommend serving this type of dish with some antipasto salad, or just a nice bowl of mixed olives.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you like this recipe, you might also like these.
Like caprese salads? Try this easy cherry tomato caprese salad which is perfect for picnics!
Want some extra protein? Make a bowl of my cannellini bean salad!
Recipe Video
Recipe Card
Here’s the instructions for making this sandwich. Keep in mind, that quantities are hard to estimate since a lot depends on the type and size of bread you use. These quantities are based on using ciabatta rolls, so adjust accordingly.
Scroll further down for additional tips and advice so your sandwich comes out perfectly!
Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 fresh mozzarella balls sliced in 1/4" width
- 4 ciabatta rolls or other bread to make 4 sandwiches
- 3 tomatoes
- handful fresh basil leaves whole or cut into slices
Instructions
- Slice and toast the ciabatta bread or other Italian bread. I use ciabatta rolls in this post and in the video because that’s what the local grocery store had.
- Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices.
- Drizzle olive oil on the toasted bread slices.
- Place the mozzarella and tomatoes on the bread
- If you are using black pepper, give it dash of the cracked pepper on top of the tomato slices.
- Top with the fresh basil leaves.
- Give a final drizzle of olive oil on top of the tomatoes and mozzarella and basil.
- Place the other slice of ciabatta bread on top and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Experiment with bread types, but avoid standard sandwich breads. You want artisan breads that will hold the olive oil and tomato juices.
- You can also cut the basil leaves into strips if that makes it easier to eat.
Simple but tasty
So glad you liked it! Thank you!