How to Make Toasted Caprese Sandwich - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to classic Italian flavors, few combinations are as beloved as the caprese. With ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, this simple yet delicious combination of ingredients has been a staple of Italian cuisine for generations. And while the traditional caprese salad is a delicious way to enjoy these flavors, there are so many other ways to incorporate them into your meals. One of our favorite ways to do so is with a toasted caprese sa...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 (1 pound) loaf ciabatta bread, split in half horizontally
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 10 leaves fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (Optional)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches

  • Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Cut off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves, trimming about 1/4 inch off of the top of each clove. Drizzle the cut cloves with olive oil, then nestle the head into a piece of aluminum foil. Place in preheated oven and bake until the cloves are tender, about 35 minutes. Remove garlic from oven; do not turn oven off. Squeeze garlic from cloves into a small dish; mash into a paste.
  • Spread the butter on the cut sides of the bread, sprinkle with rosemary, and place on a baking sheet. Toast bread in preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and spread with garlic paste. Top one half of loaf with basil and tomatoes. Drizzle tomato slices with balsamic vinegar. Top remaining half of loaf with sliced mozzarella. Return sandwich halves to baking sheet.
  • Place in hot oven and cook until the cheese has melted, about 10 minutes. Allow sandwich to cool slightly before assembling. Cut into 4 pieces to serve.
  • Nutrition

    596 cal.

    • Total Fat: 26g
    • Saturated Fat: 13g
    • Cholesterol: 60mg
    • Sodium: 794mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 68g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 22g
    • Vitamin C: 19mg
    • Calcium: 464mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 459mg