Today’s post is going to be short & sweet! Mainly because my butt is on fire guys. Whoa. I started PT last week for this hip thing I have and I am sore in muscles…I knew I had (lets be serious), but were pretty content not getting any use. Now they’re very unhappy about not being able to free load off the rest of my lower half – so high maintenance! But before I go duct tape ice around my entire body I need to share my Caprese Sandwich recipe with you all!
I made these sandwiches for a party I catered last weekend – they’re so simple, but with the right details taste extravagant. What takes these over the top is a rich balsamic vinaigrette dressing, seasoning of the tomatoes and mozzarella, and really fresh and delicious ingredients.
Corner Bakery’s are nationwide right? I used their ciabatta for the party and it was fabulous. Its the perfect size, texture, and flavor – sometimes ciabatta you find at the grocery store can be oversized and tough, these worked great – especially if you order fresh (perfect for parties). So the bottom line is to find good bread. Makes such a yummy difference!
And then… find good tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Tomatoes are out of season right now, but if you look for the little ‘Compari’ ones at the store, these are usually pretty sweet and tastier than some of the larger varieties despite it being February. Yum!
So now that I’ve sent you on a scavenger hunt for your ingredients :) Here is my super simple sandwich recipe! Enjoy your weekends everyone!
Caprese Sandwiches with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Yields 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
For the Sandwiches
- 2 – 8×2-inch ciabatta loafs (or whatever you can find, enough for 4 sandwiches), sliced in half horizontally, then cut into 4 equal parts (or GF loaf)
- 1/4 lb compari tomatoes (about 6 little tomatoes), sliced
- 1 – 4 oz ball fresh mozzarella ovolini, drained and sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil (about 8 leaves)
- kosher salt and pepper
For the Dressing
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard (if you are gluten free make sure to check the labels for a GF* mustard)
- pinch sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch salt & pepper
Preparation
- Make the Dressing – Whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard, and sugar. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Sandwiches – Layer mozzarella slices, followed by tomatoes, on the bottom of each of the 4 sandwiches. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Place about 2 basil leaves over the top of each tomato layer. Brush dressing over the top half of each ciabatta piece and sandwich with bottom halves together.
Nutrition Information (per sandwich); Calories: 285, Fat: 10 grams
I love caprese salad, but I never thought of making a sandwich! Delicious!
Its SO yummy as a sandwich! The bread absorbs all the dressing…Mmm…really good!
Aww your poor booty!
This sandwich looks sooooo delicious! I love ciabatta bread and I love caprese! Mm
Mmmm me too! Thinking I need to go out to lunch today now…
One of my favorite types of sandwiches :D Looks delicious Kristina! Simple yet elegant. And yummy. That’s the most important part heehee.
haha of course :) Thanks Jess! Sometimes simple is the best! And not just because these took me 10 min to make…extra bonus haha
They just opened up a corner bakery by me. There food is pretty tasty. These look wonderful… So fresh! I hope you feel better.
Our’s is pretty recent too, we used to just have a Panera, its a good change every once in a while! Their salads are really good, I’m a big Cobb girl :)
Aww, I hope you feel better soon!!! There is an amazing bakery in LA called Porto’s that my sisters and I go to ALL THE TIME for sandwiches like this. This looks so good and it doesn’t look like it would be too difficult! Your pictures are having me want one right now!
Thanks Annie!! You’re sweet! I’m fine, just a big baby :) And that place sounds awesome, I bet their bread is fabulous if its a bakery too!
oh this makes me think of summer…i’m so ready for warm weather and yummy light meals like this :)
Oooo me too! I’m dying for some warm weather! I’m trying to get a weekend trip to California planned for next month, the beach sounds amazing right now :)
There is nothing better to me than fresh tomatoes and mozzarella! YUM
Thanks! Agreed :) I could live off tomatoes, basil, and mozz, yum!
These sandwiches look so tasty. One of my favorites but like you said I stay away in the winter because the tomatoes can ruin it in one bite. I will have to be on the look out for those Compari.
Definitely – those are the only ones I’ll use right now, they’re really sweet. I can’t wait for summer and the farmers markets to open again, I’ve had my fill of winter squash and carrots lately! haha
I love these beautiful looking sandwiches my friend :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Great recipe! I used to make this with mustard vineagrette, but tried this with the balsamic vinegar today and it’s much better. Although mine didn’t look as nice as yours ;-)
I made this yesterday and it was SCRUMPTIOUS!! Thanks for the recipe :)
Thanks Renee! My favorite is the balsamic dressing :) Glad you liked it!!