Grilled Caprese Sandwich – Cheesy and Delicious
This Grilled Caprese Sandwich combines crispy golden bread, melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic for an easy, cheesy, and flavorful lunch.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
- 4 slices sourdough or Italian bread – Choose sturdy bread that crisps well.
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella – Slice into even pieces.
- 1 large ripe tomato – Slice thinly and pat dry.
- 8 fresh basil leaves – Use fresh leaves for the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil – For brushing the outside of the bread.
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze – Add more to taste.
- 1 garlic clove – For rubbing onto the bread.
- ¼ tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper – Adds a little savory bite.
Prepare the Ingredients; Slice the fresh mozzarella and ripe tomato into even pieces. Gently pat the tomato slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Prepare the fresh basil leaves and set all the ingredients aside.
Prepare the Bread; Lightly brush one side of each bread slice with extra-virgin olive oil. Rub the oiled side gently with the cut garlic clove to add a subtle garlic flavor.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the fresh mozzarella on the un-oiled side of two bread slices. Add the tomato slices and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze. Top with the remaining bread slices.
Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3–5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook the other side until golden and the mozzarella is melted.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 1–2 minutes. Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve warm with an additional drizzle of balsamic glaze and a few fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Use ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent the sandwich from becoming too wet.
- Fresh mozzarella gives the sandwich its signature creamy, melty texture.
- Sourdough, ciabatta, or sturdy Italian bread works particularly well.
- Keep the skillet over medium heat so the bread browns without burning before the mozzarella melts.
- Pat the tomato slices dry before assembling to help keep the bread crisp.
- For extra flavor, finish the grilled sandwich with a little balsamic glaze and fresh basil.
- This sandwich is best served immediately while the bread is crisp and the mozzarella is warm and melty.
- For a complete meal, serve with tomato soup, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy potato wedges.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 7 g
Note: These are estimates and can vary depending on the type of bread, mozzarella, olive oil, and balsamic glaze used.