Description
This recipe delivers a quick, fresh caprese sandwich featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil on crisp, toasted bread. It’s an easy, healthy, and family-friendly meal perfect for busy schedules, enhanced with a unique roasted red pepper and za’atar drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ciabatta roll (approx. 120 g) or 2 slices rustic artisan bread
- 1 ripe beefsteak tomato (approx. 180–200 g), sliced 0.5 cm thick
- 125 g fresh mozzarella (ensure microbial rennet), sliced 0.5 cm thick
- 8–10 fresh basil leaves, medium size
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzle
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 large roasted red bell pepper (from a jar, drained, or freshly roasted and peeled), approx. 180 g
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for drizzle base)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons za’atar seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon granulated sugar (or maple syrup for liquid sweetener)
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt (for drizzle)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds, lightly toasted (for garnish)
- 4–5 small fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make Roasted Red Pepper & Za’atar Drizzle: In a small food processor or blender, combine the roasted red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, za’atar seasoning, granulated sugar, 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 mL) sea salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- Prepare and Toast Bread: Slice the ciabatta roll horizontally, or use two equally sized slices of sturdy rustic bread. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon (15 mL) extra virgin olive oil and garlic powder. Brush the cut sides of the bread generously with the seasoned oil. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the oiled bread slices cut-side down and toast for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Alternatively, toast in a toaster oven. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Caprese Sandwich: On one slice of the toasted bread, arrange the sliced fresh mozzarella, overlapping slightly for full coverage. Top with the sliced ripe tomato, also overlapping. Season the layers lightly with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Tuck the medium-sized fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella layers. Place the second slice of toasted bread on top.
- Plate and Garnish: Place the assembled caprese sandwich onto a clean serving plate. Drizzle the Roasted Red Pepper & Za’atar Drizzle generously over the sandwich and around the plate. Sprinkle the lightly toasted black sesame seeds evenly over the drizzle and the sandwich. Finish by scattering the small fresh basil leaves on top.
Notes
For a shortcut, buy pre-sliced mozzarella. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the drizzle for a flavor kick. For a healthier option, use whole grain bread and a lighter hand with oil/drizzle. Easily swap to gluten-free bread or use plant-based mozzarella for dietary needs. Consider adding sliced chicken or turkey for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Blending, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approx. 400 g)
- Calories: 1165 calories
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 72 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 45 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 93 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: caprese, sandwich, healthy, easy dinner, fresh, quick meal, Mediterranean, za'atar, mozzarella, tomato