Description
A delightful and fresh Caprese sandwich featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a flavorful pesto mayonnaise spread, served on a crusty baguette. Optionally toasted under the broiler for a warm, melted twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 1 large red tomato (approximately 10–12 ounces)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
- 1 12-inch baguette
- 2 tablespoons full-fat mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 1 tablespoon high-quality olive oil (plus more for dipping)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus more as desired)
- 6 leaves fresh basil
Instructions
- Slice the tomato: Cut the large red tomato into ½-inch-thick rounds and set aside.
- Slice the mozzarella: Cut 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella into ½-inch-thick rounds and set aside.
- Prepare the baguette: Slice the 12-inch baguette in half lengthwise and place both halves, cut-side up, on a flat surface.
- Preheat broiler (optional): If toasting the sandwich, preheat the broiler on High and position the oven rack 8 to 12 inches below the heating element.
- Make pesto mayo spread: Combine 2 tablespoons full-fat mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon pesto in a small bowl; stir well until fully blended. Spread this mixture evenly onto the cut side of the bottom baguette half.
- Oil the top baguette half: Evenly spoon 1 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil over the cut side of the top half of the baguette, ensuring the oil is evenly distributed to prevent sogginess.
- Layer tomato slices: Arrange the tomato slices in a single slightly overlapping layer on the bottom baguette half.
- Layer mozzarella and season: Place the mozzarella slices on top of the tomato layer, then sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the mozzarella to taste.
- Toast sandwich (optional): Place both sandwich halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the bread is lightly toasted and the mozzarella melts slightly. Remove carefully from the oven.
- Add balsamic glaze and basil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze over the mozzarella layer, then evenly distribute 6 fresh basil leaves across the sandwich.
- Assemble and serve: Place the top half of the baguette cut side down over the mozzarella and tomatoes. Slice the sandwich in half, creating two 6-inch sandwiches. Serve with extra high-quality olive oil for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze based on personal preference for sweetness.
- The sandwich can be served cold or toasted under the broiler for a warm, melty option.
- High-quality olive oil enhances flavor; consider using extra virgin.
- To prevent sogginess, apply olive oil evenly and avoid pooling.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 minutes (if toasting)
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Caprese sandwich, fresh mozzarella sandwich, Italian sandwich, pesto mayo, toasted sandwich, broiled sandwich
