There is something so delicious about combining basil, mozzarella and tomato. Whether it’s as a salad or as a pizza the flavor combination can’t be beat. This time, I made a Caprese panini to have a quick and tasty sandwich for lunch.
This sandwich could not be more simple. It requires only a few ingredients and can be put together in just 5 minutes. Maybe a touch longer if you want to grill your bread/use a panini press. Speaking of bread, get yourself a Tuscan loaf, Ciabatta, sourdough or similar panini-friendly bread (whole or presliced).
Here, I opted for a whole loaf of sourdough boule. I wanted slightly thicker slices than the pre-cut loaves would have given me. Hey, just remember it’s all up to your preference and convenience. There is no hard or fast rule to follow when it comes to scrumptious vittles.
Next, you simply prepare your basil, tomato and mozzarella. Pinch off a handful of basil leaves and wash. Slice your tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/8th inch slices. Once you have that complete then you can put them all together and enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. One thing came to mind as I was writing this: rubbing the bread with some roasted garlic.
Mmm, I want another sandwich just thinking about it.
And there you have it. A super quick and tasty lunch. I know. Too easy, right?
Well, there is one catch. What’s the catch, you ask? Nope. Not telling.
Ok…so you really want to pick out top-quality ingredients. Try to acquire the best mozzarella and balsamic you can. Even a good olive oil with make tastier sandwich. Since you are using very few ingredients and the success of the panini hinges on how fresh, and of what quality, your ingredients are. It will most certainly make all the difference in the world.
- A bunch of fresh basil
- A ball of fresh mozzarella
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 8 slices of bread (boule or Tuscan styles)
- Drizzle of olive oil (per panini)
- Drizzle of balsamic vinegar (per panini)
- Salt and Pepper
De-stem and wash 20-24 basil leaves.
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella ball into ⅛th inch thick slices.
Layer the tomato, basil and mozzarella on your bread.
Drizzle each sandwich with oil and vinegar.
Toast in a panini press (or pre-toast bread on griddle with grill lines).
That looks soooo good! I have a lot of basil, will be making this for lunch 😁
Thank you!