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Melty Caprese Sandwich with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil pesto, and crispy ciabatta bread

The Best Melty Caprese Sandwich (Crispy & Cheesy)

Emily Wilson
This Melty Caprese Sandwich features crispy toasted ciabatta, bubbling mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil pesto. It’s an easy gourmet-style lunch ready in just 20 minutes and perfect for serving a crowd.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 sandwiches
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Sharp knife
  • Oven with Broiler

Ingredients
  

Sandwich Ingredients

  • 1 large loaf Ciabatta bread Sliced horizontally
  • 1 cup Low moisture mozzarella cheese Grated
  • 2 large Ripe tomatoes Sliced 1 cm thick
  • 1 ball (200 g) Fresh mozzarella Sliced and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons Basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 6 to 8 leaves Fresh basil leaves Optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven broiler on high and position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
  • Brush the cut sides of the ciabatta with olive oil and place on a baking sheet cut side up. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Spread basil pesto evenly over the bottom half. Sprinkle grated mozzarella over the pesto, then layer tomato slices evenly on top. Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Return the bottom half to the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and top with sliced fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. Place the top half of the bread over the filling, press gently, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat tomato slices dry before assembling to prevent soggy bread. For a grilled Caprese sandwich with bread texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet instead of a microwave. Add prosciutto or grilled chicken for a Caprese sandwich with meat variation.
Nutrition Facts:
.Calories: 320 kcal 
.Carbohydrates: 40 g 
.Protein: 16 g 
.Fat: 12 g 
.Saturated Fat: 6 g 
.Cholesterol: 30 mg 
.Sodium: 620 mg 
.Potassium: 250 mg 
.Fiber: 2 g 
.Sugar: 4 g 
.Vitamin A: 1200 IU 
.Vitamin C: 12 mg 
.Calcium: 350 mg 
.Iron: 2 mg