Description
This grilled Caprese panini combines creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crisp golden bread for a simple yet satisfying sandwich. Finished with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it delivers fresh Italian-inspired flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 ciabatta roll or 2 slices sourdough bread
2 slices fresh mozzarella
2–3 tomato slices
Handful of fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the ciabatta roll in half and brush the outside of the bottom half with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the bread on a hot panini press or grill pan.
- Layer the mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and basil leaves over the bread.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the filling and season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Brush the top half of the bread with the remaining olive oil and place it on top of the sandwich.
- Lower the lid of the panini press or place a heavy pan over the sandwich if using a grill pan.
- Press gently for about 20 seconds, then continue cooking until the bread becomes golden brown and crisp.
- If using a grill pan, flip the sandwich once the bottom side is toasted so the other side cooks evenly.
- Cook until the mozzarella softens and begins to melt slightly around the edges.
- Serve warm while the bread is crisp and the cheese is creamy.
Notes
Use sourdough bread for extra crunch and tangy flavor.
Spread pesto inside the sandwich for added richness.
Add avocado, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Balsamic glaze can be used instead of balsamic vinegar for a sweeter finish.
Reheat leftovers in a skillet or toaster oven to keep the bread crisp.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
