Best Fresh Caprese Panini Sandwich

A sandwich made with fresh ingredients from the garden really hits the spot, especially in the summertime during tomato season! This caprese panini recipe is like the classic caprese salad, only more like a caprese grilled cheese made with either sourdough bread or a ciabatta roll.

This caprese sandwich recipe only requires six simple ingredients to make an easy meal for your family.

Your family will ask for it over and over again and it will become a favorite sandwich.

A hot sandwich served for lunch or dinner is the perfect way to satisfy your hungry husband and children, and can be a quick way to feed your family after church on Sunday or on a busy school night.

If you’re looking for yummy side dishes to serve with this grilled caprese sandwich, try my savory creamy queso dip with meat or my delicious one pan lemon garlic pasta.

What is a Caprese Panini Sandwich?

These caprese sandwiches are a super simple sandwich to make with fresh tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, fresh mozzarella cheese, and drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

This delicious sandwich is grilled until the sourdough bread is a golden brown.

You simply grill it over medium heat to medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet, however, you can also use a sandwich grill such as a George Foreman or a panini press.

Why You’ll Love a Caprese Panini Sandwich

• This sandwich tastes like a healthy caprese salad, only it’s a sandwich!
• You can customize this sandwich with different ingredients to satisfy each person’s varying tastes.
• This sandwich can be served with chips, fresh fruit, sliced veggies, or whatever you would like!
• Tomato soup is a delicious side dish to serve with this sandwich.

Tell Me About Caprese Panini Sandwiches

• Taste– This sandwich has the best flavor, with a combination of sweet tomatoes, tangy balsamic vinegar, and savory melted mozzarella cheese.
• Texture– Creamy mozzarella, soft tomatoes, and crusty bread are the perfect combination!
• Ease– These sandwiches require very little prep or assembly work and the grilling time is quick!
• Time– It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and grill your sandwiches.

Ingredients for Caprese Panini Sandwiches

• Ciabatta Rolls or Sourdough Bread Slices– Ciabatta rolls are similar to the taste of sourdough, and both are a type of artisan bread.
• Butter– Butter is spread on one side of each of the rolls or bread slices. As it cooks with the butter side down in the skillet, it causes the bread to become a crunchy golden brown.
• Fresh Mozzarella– Best if you use mozzarella slices instead of shredded mozzarella, this cheese tastes slightly salty and has a mild flavor. It is also high in protein and is quite filling so that you don’t need to add any meat to this sandwich.
• Fresh Tomato– There is nothing like sweet and fresh vine-ripened tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil Leaves– Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese slices were made for each other!
• Balsamic Vinegar– Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet flavor to the sandwich.

Make Caprese Paninis in 3 Easy Steps

1. Butter each slice of bread and toast– While your cast iron skillet heats up over medium-high heat, spread butter on each roll or slice of bread and then toast them butter side down for one minute.
2. Add sandwich ingredients– Remove the bread from the skillet and add a slice of mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Top with the other half of the roll or slice of bread.
3. Cook the paninis– Cook each panini sandwich on both sides in the skillet until golden brown. Enjoy!

Variations/Substitutions for Caprese Panini Sandwiches

• Parmesan, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack Cheeses– These cheeses also taste good with tomatoes and basil. However, mozzarella is what truly makes it taste like a caprese panini.
• Focaccia Bread– This type of bread is substantial and can be used instead of sourdough or ciabatta rolls. Flimsy sandwich breads do not work as well as these breads.
• Fresh Spinach– If you do not care for the taste of fresh basil or do not have any on hand, fresh spinach leaves are a good substitute.

Add-Ins for Caprese Panini Sandwiches

• Homemade Pesto or Store-Bought Pesto– Made with basil, salt, cheeses, and pine nuts, this thick sauce adds an extra zing to a sandwich.
• Kosher Salt– This salt is a larger grain and easy to sprinkle over a dish.
• Black Pepper– Sprinkled on your tomatoes along with the salt, this adds extra spice to your sandwich.
• Olives– Black or green olive slices add to the Mediterranean flavor of this sandwich.
• Pickles– Try my flavorful and crispy homemade pickled cucumbers for extra homemade freshness!
• Bacon– Adding bacon would turn this sandwich into a BLT panini!

How to Store Leftover Caprese Paninis

These grilled sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Just wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.

How to Reheat Caprese Panini Sandwiches

Simply place the sandwich on a baking sheet and reheat until warm in a 300 degree F oven.

You can also reheat them in your skillet or panini press.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caprese Panini Recipe