Inspired by my many trips abroad, this tomato mozzarella caprese panini combines classic Italian ingredients in a crisp, melty sandwich. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean right at home.
save this recipe!When you can’t travel to the Mediterranean, let me bring the flavors to you via my Mediterranean recipes. First up, this tomato mozzarella caprese sandwich. Between the juicy tomato slices, the rich mozzarella, and the flavorful pesto, this sandwich will satisfy your taste buds in a way only a caprese sandwich can.
And if you aren’t sure what I mean by Mediterranean flavors, but you’ve had the tomato basil sandwich from Starbucks, then this is just like that! It’s the perfect Starbucks copycat that will brighten up your day without requiring you to even leave your house. The best part? It’s ready in just 15 minutes. Let’s panini!
Here’s what you’ll need
For this caprese grilled cheese, we’re keeping things simple and using only 6 ingredients.
- Focaccia Bread and Butter: A good sandwich begins with great bread and a bit of butter. We’re using focaccia for this tomato mozzarella panini. but you could also use sourdough.
- Pesto: Pesto serves two purposes here. Not only is it a powerhouse of flavor, but it acts as a buffer between the bread and the watery fillings (tomato and spinach), meaning no soggy sandwich! Make your own classic pesto, or make it with carrot tops!
- Tomato: Grab a large, ripe tomato (of any variety) and slice it up to layer onto the sandwich.
- Mozzarella: You’ll need low-moisture buffalo mozzarella, but you could also use shredded mozzarella.
- Spinach: I love adding fresh spinach for a pop of color and veggie-power!
sauce options
If you love sauce, try this sandwich with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or fresh olive oil.
Let’s make it!
Making this sandwich is a very simple 3-step process that takes no more than 15 minutes. You’ll feel like you’ve brought the Mediterranean right into your kitchen.
- Prep the bread: If using focaccia bread, cut it hamburger style to make the bottom and top of your sandwich, then spread butter or mayonnaise onto the outside pieces.
- Assemble the ingredients: Build two sandwiches by layering pesto, mozzarella, tomato, spinach, more mozzarella, and more pesto.
- Cook the sandwich: Cook over medium heat in a large skillet or panini press until the outsides are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Pair It With…
- Tahini Israeli Salad: This is the perfect, refreshing salad to enjoy beside this warm panini.
- Carrot Chips: These are easy to make, crunchy, and delicious with this Caprese sandwich.
- Tomato Burrata Salad: Keep the Mediterranean vibes rolling with this burrata salad.
Better-Than-The-Deli Caprese Panini
Ingredients
- 2 pieces focaccia bread, or 4 slices sourdough
- 1 Tbsp butter or mayonnaise, 15 g
- ¼ cup pesto, 60 g
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 to 4 slices low-moisture mozzarella
- Handful fresh spinach
Instructions
- Bread: If using focaccia, cut it hamburger style to make a bottom and top of your sandwich. Spread butter or mayonnaise onto the outside pieces.
- Assemble: Build two sandwiches by layering pesto, mozzarella, tomato, spinach, more mozzarella, and more pesto.
- Cook: Cook over medium heat in a large skillet or panini press until the outsides are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
Excited to try these, on a muffin tin and sheet..love that idea.
This recipe should have had basil and not spinach. The cover on pinterest was named as tomato basil caprese panini, but the ingredients calls for spinach. It also needed some basalmic vinegar or glaze added to the sandwich for flavor. Pesto was an odd spread but ok.
Pesto is the basil.