Caprese Panini

Name: Caprese Panini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced horizontally; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp balsamic glaze; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 garlic clove, halved

A classic Italian sandwich featuring the flavors of Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil - pressed between slices of ciabatta bread with balsamic glaze for a delicious, simple lunch.

15 minEasyServes 2420 cal/serving

ItalianLunchStovetopVegetarianHigh ProteinHalal-friendlyPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced horizontally
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, halved

Instructions

1

Preheat a panini press or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2

Slice the 1 loaf sliced horizontally ciabatta bread horizontally to create top and bottom halves.
3

Rub the cut sides of the bread with the 1 halved garlic clove to infuse flavor.
4

Brush the outside of the bread with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
5

Layer the 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella slices on the bottom half of the bread.
6

Add the 2 sliced ripe tomatoes slices on top of the mozzarella.
7

Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8

Arrange the 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves leaves over the tomatoes.
9

Drizzle with 2 tbsp balsamic glaze.
10

Place the top half of the bread on the assembled ingredients.
11

Grill the sandwich in the panini press for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. If using a grill pan, press down on the sandwich with a spatula or a heavy pan, and flip halfway through.
12

Remove from heat, cut in half, and serve warm.

Questions

Can I make Caprese Panini dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Caprese Panini gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced horizontally. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Caprese Panini keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Caprese Panini?

Yes. As written it serves 2. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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