Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwich

Are you ready to see the recipe for the most delicious sandwich of your life? I’m not kidding. It’s a super tasty, savory, and flavorful sandwich with mozzarella, tomatoes and pesto. You’re going to love this as an easy recipe for lunch or dinner. In just 30 minutes, you have the perfect meal that is also super hearty and will keep you full for a long time.   

What is a Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwich?

The mozzarella, tomato, and pesto sandwich, often referred to as a Caprese sandwich, is a delicious and popular combination that originated in Italy. The simplicity, freshness, and vibrant flavors of the sandwich capture the essence of Italian cuisine.

You can enjoy the sandwich cold or toasted. Toasting the sandwich allows the mozzarella to melt and the pesto to aromatize, bringing out the flavors even more. In addition, the sandwich can be customized to suit a variety of palates with the addition of different ingredients such as arugula, balsamic glaze, or prosciutto.

Why this recipe works so well

• It is a pesto tomato sandwich that is perfectly balanced. A perfect harmony of flavors in every bite thanks to the combination of tangy basil pesto, balsamic cream, succulent tomatoes, and tangy mozzarella.
• A textural delight. You all know how much I love a recipe with a good texture! Smooth, melted mozzarella and juicy tomatoes are paired with crunchy, toasted bread for a satisfying crisp heaven! 
• The tomato basil pesto sandwich is completely customizable. This recipe can be customized to your liking with French bread or your favorite sandwich bread, store-bought or homemade pesto, and a variety of tomato options.
• Pesto sandwich with fresh mozzarella. Choosing fresh mozzarella adds a gooey richness that takes grilled mozzarella and tomato sandwiches to another level.

Ingredients for Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwich 

• Mozzarella: Mozzarella is the star of this sandwich, offering a creamy and mild flavor that balances well with the other ingredients. Its soft texture melts into a beautifully gooey texture that enhances the overall flavor experience. Fresh mozzarella pairs perfectly with tomatoes and pesto, bringing a delightful creaminess and a subtle, slightly tangy flavor.
• Ciabatta: The foundation of the sandwich is ciabatta bread. It has a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior that provides a delightful textural contrast. Ciabatta is ideal for holding sandwich ingredients without getting soggy due to its airy texture and sturdy crust.
• Tomatoes: The tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and natural sweetness, contrasting nicely with the creamy mozzarella and herbal pesto. Tomatoes enhance the overall flavor profile of the sandwich by providing essential acidity and sweetness.
• Oregano: Complementing the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, oregano adds a hint of earthy, aromatic flavor. It enhances the Italian-inspired profile of the sandwich.
• Pesto Sauce: Pesto sauce is a blend of basil, parmesan, garlic, nuts and olive oil. It adds a herbaceous, nutty, and slightly garlicky flavor to the sandwich. Pesto adds a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor and ties the mozzarella and tomatoes together with its aromatic and rich flavor.
• Balsamic Cream: Balsamic cream adds a sweet, tangy glaze that enhances the sandwich’s overall flavor profile. Balsamic cream adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and pesto.
• Mixed Greens: The mixed greens add a freshness and a slight crunch to the sandwich, and provide a pleasant contrast to the soft mozzarella and tomatoes. Greens make the sandwich feel lighter and more balanced by adding a layer of texture and a refreshing element.
• Salt: Salt allows each ingredient to stand out and enhances all the flavors in the sandwich.

How to Make Caprese Sandwich at Home?

1. First, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes.
2. Then, cut the ciabatta lengthwise.
3. Place the ciabatta on a baking sheet, spread the mozzarella on the bottom, then the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano. Bake in a preheated oven at 356 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 5 minutes.
4. Then, take it out, pour pesto sauce and balsamic cream, and add salad.

Chef Recipe Tips:

• I recommend using a variety of tomatoes for a nice look and to diversify the flavor. 
• You can use arugula, spinach, basil, and other favorite herbs.
• You can also drizzle the sandwich with garlic oil.

Origin of Caprese Sandwich

The origins of mozzarella, tomato, and pesto sandwiches are embedded in Italian cuisine. The Caprese salad, which consists of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil dressed with olive oil and sometimes balsamic vinegar, is said to have been created on the island of Capri in the 1950s. It is also an interesting fact that the colors of the salad are representative of the Italian flag, which makes it a patriotic dish as well.

Since sandwiches are a convenient and portable meal option, transforming this iconic salad into a sandwich was a natural progression. A modern twist that enhances the basil flavor and adds a creamy, spreadable component is the addition of pesto sauce instead of whole basil leaves.

Preparing, Storing, and Freezing

• For faster assembly when you are ready to cook, prepare the sandwich components (spreads, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella) ahead of time.
• Store assembled but uncooked sandwiches in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Grill the sandwiches fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Freezing the sandwich is not a good idea. 

Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwich FAQs

How much mozzarella should I use in my sandwich?

I use anywhere from 7 ounces of sliced mozzarella on one sandwich (1 ciabatta) I make. Once you find that you want more or less cheese, you may add a touch more or less mozzarella to your sandwich. But 2 ounces have proven to me and my friends.

Can I make a gluten-free caprese sandwich?

Yes! To make this sandwich suitable for a gluten-free diet, simply choose your favorite gluten-free bread.

Can I use cherry tomatoes?

For a unique twist, cherry tomatoes can be sliced in half and evenly distributed, although this is not recommended due to their size.