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This Balsamic Glazed Caprese Sandwich is the ultimate upgrade to your sandwich game. Made with fresh mozzarella, juicy ripe tomatoes, basil pesto, and peppery arugula, it’s pressed until golden and drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze for bold, crave-worthy flavor.

A balsamic glazed caprese sandwich that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other. The sandwich has grill marks on top and has arugula, fresh mozzarella cheese slices and tomato slices inside. You can see the balsamic glaze dribbling out of the sandwich and another sandwich in the background.
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Balsamic Glazed Caprese Sandwich

This is the sandwich that makes you rethink what lunch (or dinner) should taste like.

Years ago, I had a sun-dried tomato panini in South Carolina that completely rewired my sandwich standards. Fast forward a few summers and a local shop’s caprese panini had me hooked again. When my mom needed a vegetarian dinner idea to impress her friends, this sandwich was the first thing that came to mind. And now, it’s our go-to all summer long! It is quick to make, packed with flavor, and way more impressive than your average sandwich.

A stack of four slices of bread in the background with a slice of bread that has arugula and five slices of tomatoes on top. Another slice of bread that has been spread with pesto is laying next to it. There are basil leaves scattered on the wooden tray.

What is Caprese?

Caprese is an Italian dish made from fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil, occasionally paired with arugula. It can be eaten as a salad or on a sandwich.

Caprese Sandwich Ingredients

With just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, this sandwich comes together in minutes and delivers major flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of what goes into this crave-worthy panini:

  • Sourdough Bread: Tangy, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold all the melty goodness together.
  • Fresh Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet. Look for ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and soft. It melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with tomato and basil.
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient and bring the flavors to life.
  • Pesto: Rich, herby, and packed with flavor. Adds a savory punch to every bite.
  • Arugula: Peppery and crisp. It gives the sandwich a fresh, slightly spicy bite.
  • Basil: Classic Caprese flavor. Fresh leaves add brightness and aroma.
  • Butter: Creates a golden, crispy crust and adds rich, buttery flavor
  • Balsamic Glaze: Sweet, tangy, and syrupy. It ties everything together with a bold finish.

The measurements for each ingredient can be found on the recipe card at the end of this post.

An opened sandwich with sliced tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, and arugula. A balsamic glaze is being drizzled over the top. There is another slice of bread that has been spread with pesto in front of it. there are four slices of bread stacked in the background.

How to Make a Caprese Sandwich 

This caprese sandwich recipe couldn’t be simpler to make!

  1. Prep: Start by making the homemade pesto and balsamic glaze. It’s less complicated than it seems and adds tons of flavor.
  2. Coat: Spread a generous layer of pesto on both slices of sourdough.
  3. Assemble: Layer on the fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, fresh basil, and a handful of arugula. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra flavor kick.
  4. Complete: Place the second slice of bread on top to close the sandwich.
  5. Grill: Cook in a panini press or on a grill pan until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melty.

The instructions can be found in more detail in the recipe card at the end of this post.

A wooden tray with sliced bread, a slice of bread with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and arugula on top. There is another slice of bread laying next to it that has been spread with pesto. Arugula and basil leaves lay on the tray and table next to the tray.

What to Serve with Caprese Sandwiches

A grilled Caprese sandwich is the ultimate light and fresh meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. But, of course, no sandwich is complete without the perfect sidekick. I love to pair my Caprese panini with sides that bring out its flavors while keeping things just as fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy, fruity, or super refreshing, these sides will perfectly complement your sandwich:

A slice of bread on a wooden tray. There are sliced tomatoes and fresh sliced mozzarella cheese and arugula on the slice of bread. A balsamic glaze is drizzled over the cheese. There are other slices of bread stacked on the tray next to the sandwich and arugula leaves scattered around. Another slice of bread is on the table in front of the tray and it has been spread with pesto.

What’s the Best Bread for Caprese Sandwiches?

Our favorite bread to use for this tomato mozzarella caprese sandwich is sourdough. However, any crusty or hearty bread works well—think ciabatta rolls, focaccia, baguette, or Dutch crunch. Just be sure to skip the soft white bread; it won’t hold up to all those delicious toppings!

Do I Have to Use Homemade Pesto? 

Not at all! While homemade pesto adds that extra touch, you can absolutely use your favorite store-bought pesto for a quicker, yet still flavorful, sandwich.

Can I Add Extra Veggies? 

Sure thing! You’re welcome to load up your caprese sandwich as you see fit. Just keep in mind that this won’t technically be a caprese sandwich anymore once you add other vegetables. It’ll still be delicious though! 

A grilled caprese panini that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other. You can see the grill marks on the bread and the arugula, tomatoes, pesto and mozzarella cheese inside. A little balsamic glaze is oozing from the sandwich. There is another sandwich in the background, and some arugula and basil on the table.

Tips for Making the BEST Caprese Sandwich

One of the biggest mistakes people make? Using the wrong mozzarella. Those firm, low-moisture blocks won’t give you the melty, creamy texture that makes a caprese sandwich shine. Look for fresh mozzarella! the kind that’s soft, packed in water, and usually found in the specialty cheese section. We love the Galbani mozzarella log for convenience and flavor.

Want to add a little protein? This sandwich is perfection as a vegetarian option, but feel free to layer on grilled chicken, sliced steak, or even some prosciutto to make it more filling!

Does This Sandwich Store Well?

This Caprese Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Just keep in mind that the bread may lose its crispiness, and the cheese could become a bit less melty. If you want to reheat it, pop it in a skillet or a panini press to crisp up the bread again and melt the cheese back to perfection.

This Caprese sandwich is the perfect blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients like mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and pesto, all sandwiched between crispy sourdough bread. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or serving it at a summer party, this easy-to-make, vegetarian panini is sure to impress!

More EASY SANDWICH RECIPES:

4.21 from 83 votes

Balsamic Glazed Caprese Panini

By Carrian Cheney
Prep5 minutes
Cook5 minutes
Total10 minutes
Servings1
A grilled caprese panini that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other. You can see the grill marks on the bread and the arugula, tomatoes, pesto and mozzarella cheese inside. A little balsamic glaze is oozing from the sandwich. There is another sandwich in the background, and some arugula and basil on the table.
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This Balsamic Glazed Caprese Sandwich is the ultimate sandwich! Made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto, arugula, and a balsamic glaze!
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Ingredients 

Caprese Paninis

  • Bread, (we prefer sourdough)
  • Fresh Mozzarella, sliced
  • Roma Tomatoes, sliced
  • Arugula
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Homemade Basil Pesto 
  • Butter

Balsamic Glaze

  • 1 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Honey, (or sugar)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions 

Make the Balsamic Glaze:

  • Bring the vinegar and honey to a simmer in a small pot over medium heat until reduced by half. Do not boil, turn to medium low if needed. Set aside to cool. 
    1 Cup Balsamic Vinegar, 1 teaspoon Honey

Make the Caprese Sandwiches:

  • Prepare the pesto per recipe instructions. 
  • Butter one side of each slice of bread. Then flip each slice and spread a generous layer of pesto on the other side.
    Butter, Homemade Basil Pesto 
  • With the pesto side facing up, layer on arugula, basil, sliced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and drizzle with a little balsamic glaze. Top with the second slice of bread, ensuring the pesto side faces inward.
    Bread, Fresh Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, Arugula, Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Heat a panini grill or grill pan and grill until the bread turns golden and crisp and the cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

This sandwich really should be eaten right away, but leftovers could be kept in the refrigerator for 1 day.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich, Calories: 829kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 61g, Saturated Fat: 26g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 111mg, Sodium: 1395mg, Potassium: 339mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 3085IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 490mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
A balsamic glazed caprese sandwich that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other. The sandwich has grill marks on top and has arugula, fresh mozzarella cheese slices and tomato slices inside. You can see the balsamic glaze dribbling out of the sandwich and another sandwich in the background.

About The Author

Carrian Cheney

Carrian Cheney is the creative force behind ‘Oh, Sweet Basil,’ a food blog she co-authors with her husband, Cade. She creates fresh, family-friendly recipes that encourage togetherness in the kitchen.

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4.21 from 83 votes (78 ratings without comment)

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26 Comments

  1. Catherine Sokolowski says:

    This sandwich looks dellicious!

    Reply
    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Thanks Catherine! I’d love to hear what you think if you make it!

      Reply
  2. L.E. says:

    Panini is a plural word! When you say you made a panini, you are saying you made a sandwiches!!! The singular word is panino. Why, oh, why does everyone make this mistake???

    Reply
    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Whoa! This is news to me! Every restaurant I’ve ever been to has gotten this wrong. The Merriam-Webster dictionary says, “Panini is a plural form in Italian but is commonly used as both a singular and a plural in English. Its use as a singular has given rise the variant plural form paninis. The use of panino as a singular form in English has become relatively uncommon as panini has become established as the usual singular.”

      Reply
  3. JEAN m MORLANDO says:

    you say to make the pesto it’s really easy, but where is the recipe ?

    Reply