Elevated Caprese Sandwich
A gourmet twist on the classic Caprese sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a balsamic glaze on toasted artisan bread for a delicious and elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
4 slices artisan sourdough bread
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
12 fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces to about 2 tablespoons, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
Brush one side of each slice of sourdough bread with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Place the bread slices, oiled side down, on the grill pan. Toast until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and toast the other side for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
On the toasted side of two bread slices, layer the fresh mozzarella slices evenly.
Top the mozzarella with heirloom tomato slices, then season the tomatoes lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Distribute the fresh basil leaves evenly over the tomatoes.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the balsamic reduction over the basil and tomatoes on each sandwich.
Place the remaining two slices of toasted bread on top, grilled side up, to complete the sandwich.
Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.