Name: Grilled Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 slices sourdough bread; 1-2 Tablespoons butter; 1-2 Tablespoons basil pesto; 1 tomato, sliced; 2 slices mozzarella cheese, about 1/4 inch thick

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and fresh, the Grilled Caprese Sandwich is about to rock your world! This sandwich brings together fragrant basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly toasted sourdough bread for a lunch that feels like a vacation to the Italian countryside. Every bite is a celebration of vibrant flavors and incredible textures, proving that a handful of simple ingredients can create pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Caprese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how just a few well-chosen ingredients come together in the Grilled Caprese Sandwich to create an unmatched balance of crunch, creaminess, and zing. Each one is essential—don’t skip anything if you want that classic Caprese moment in every bite!

Sourdough bread: The hearty structure and tangy flavor of sourdough makes the perfect foundation and crisps up beautifully on the skillet.
Butter: Spreading butter on both sides of the bread ensures a golden, crispy exterior that’s downright irresistible.
Basil pesto: This spread infuses each bite with vibrant, herby flavor and a touch of richness—use your favorite store-bought or homemade variety.
Fresh tomato slices: Juicy tomatoes add freshness and a burst of color to balance the gooey cheese and earthy pesto.
Thick mozzarella cheese slices: Creamy mozzarella melts into the ultimate stretchy, luscious filling that makes this sandwich a true comfort food classic.

How to Make Grilled Caprese Sandwich

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, set up your workstation for a smooth sandwich assembly. Slice your tomato into thick, juicy rounds and cut the mozzarella into even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick for that perfect melt. Have your butter and basil pesto ready to go, because the Grilled Caprese Sandwich comes together quickly once you start toasting!

Step 2: Toast the Bread

Warm your skillet over medium heat. Generously butter both sides of your sourdough bread and lay the slices in the pan. Let them sizzle gently until one side becomes a beautiful golden brown—this is key to getting that addictive crunch that makes the Grilled Caprese Sandwich unforgettable.

Step 3: Flip and Layer

Once the first sides are golden and toasty, flip both slices. Reduce the heat to low (a crucial move to prevent burning!) and spread a generous layer of basil pesto onto the grilled side of each slice. Add the mozzarella on top of the pesto, letting it soften and start to melt into the bread below.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Assemble

Top the melting mozzarella with your vibrant tomato slices—don’t be shy! Lay the other bread slice, grilled side in, to create a sandwich. Let it sit on the skillet just a bit longer; the gentle warmth will coax the cheese into gooey perfection and let those flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When the cheese reaches optimal meltiness and the bread is golden on both sides, remove your Grilled Caprese Sandwich from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute before slicing—if you can resist the temptation—so everything holds together when you take your first bite.

How to Serve Grilled Caprese Sandwich

Garnishes

Dress up your Grilled Caprese Sandwich with a scattering of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of tangy sweetness. A little cracked black pepper or sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can take it from tasty to absolutely crave-worthy.

Side Dishes

A light, crisp salad or a simple bowl of tomato soup are heavenly partners for the warm, cheesy richness of this Grilled Caprese Sandwich. But don’t stop there! Roasted veggies or even just a handful of kettle chips add a fun crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your sandwich into triangles for a classic look, or slice it into strips and serve with a pesto dipping sauce for something playful and party-ready. Stack mini versions for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or pair with a colorful salad for an inspired lunch platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), wrap your Grilled Caprese Sandwich in foil or place in an airtight container once cooled. Store in the fridge for up to two days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

While this sandwich is at its best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the easiest, tastiest results.

Reheating

To bring your Grilled Caprese Sandwich back to its golden, melty glory, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread crisps up again and the cheese gets nice and soft. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough provides a delicious tang and holds up well, ciabatta or a hearty multigrain loaf work beautifully too. Just make sure it’s thick enough to handle all the fillings without falling apart.

Is it possible to make this sandwich vegan?

You sure can! Try vegan butter, your favorite plant-based mozzarella, and a dairy-free pesto to create a craveable vegan Grilled Caprese Sandwich.

What kind of pesto should I use?

Classic basil pesto is traditional, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Sun-dried tomato pesto or even a vegan spinach pesto can put a unique twist on your sandwich while keeping those Italian-inspired vibes.

How do I keep my sandwich from getting soggy?

Make sure your tomato slices are patted dry and that you layer them directly atop the cheese so the bread doesn’t soak up all the tomato juice. Toasting both sides of the bread also adds a barrier that helps resist sogginess.

Can I grill this sandwich instead of using a skillet?

Definitely! A panini press or outdoor grill works wonderfully—just keep medium heat and watch closely, as the bread can brown quickly. You’ll get beautiful grill marks and that same cheesy, melty center.

Final Thoughts

Give this Grilled Caprese Sandwich a try, and let your taste buds take a sunny trip to Italy! It’s unfussy, endlessly satisfying, and guaranteed to become a staple in your lunch (or dinner!) rotation. Trust me—one bite and this classic will find its way into your heart, one crispy, cheesy moment at a time.

Grilled Caprese Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Grilled Caprese Sandwich recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining the flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil pesto between slices of crispy sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

2 slices sourdough bread

Spread:

1–2 Tablespoons butter
1–2 Tablespoons basil pesto

Filling:

1 tomato, sliced
2 slices mozzarella cheese, about 1/4 inch thick

Instructions

Warm the skillet: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Grill the bread: Butter both sides of the bread and grill one side until lightly browned.
Add pesto and cheese: Flip the bread, spread pesto on the grilled side, place cheese on top, and lower the heat.
Melt the cheese: Allow the cheese to melt slightly, add sliced tomatoes, cover with the other bread slice, and let it sit until the cheese is fully melted.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian