This easy baguette Caprese sandwich features creamy mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, fragrant basil, and pesto all tucked into a baguette for an easy lunch or dinner. Effortless but not boring in any way!
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It’s no secret I am a huge fan of the classic Caprese flavors.
And my love reaches a fever pitch when it gets warm and my garden starts producing all the fresh tomatoes and basil.
Then I could eat Caprese everything every single day of my life and be the happiest person in the world.
Probably because cheese holds the key to true happiness.
And let me tell you this easy baguette Caprese sandwich with pesto is everything I want in a warm weather meal.
Garden ripe tomatoes.
Loads of creamy mozzarella.
So much fragrant basil.
All tucked into a baguette spread with pesto.
No cooking needed.
Sign me right up!
Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies
- Baguettes– Look for these in the bakery section. Depending on your grocery store, you may be able to find roll sized half baguettes. If not, grab a long one and cut in into two equal sized pieces.
- Pesto– You could make homemade pesto, but to save time I buy my favorite storebought brand.
- Fresh mozzarella– Do not use the stuff in a bag. The cheese is the star of this sandwich!
- Tomatoes– I prefer Roma tomatoes, but you can use any kind other than cherry or grape tomatoes. Slice them thinly.
- Fresh basil leaves– Don’t substitute dried basil! The flavor is totally different!
- Salt and pepper– To taste
Kitchen supplies you’ll want include:
How to Make Baguette Caprese Sandwich
1. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise.
Use a bread knife to slice the baguette or in half lengthwise so you have a top piece and a bottom piece.
2. Spread the pesto on the baguette.
Use about a tablespoon or so of pesto on each side of the bread and spread it out evenly so it covers the entire inside of the bread.
3. Build your pesto caprese sandwich!
Layer thinly sliced tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella and fresh basil leaves onto the bottom piece of the sliced baguette.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Close the sandwich by putting the top piece on.
Enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Like most sandwiches this is best served the day you make it.
But if you are making in the morning to bring to lunch or do have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge for no more than 2 days.
Keep in mind the bread’s texture will change more the longer you store it.
What Goes with a Caprese Sandwich?
This sandwich is deceptively hearty, but if you are looking to round out your meal more it pairs well with:
- Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese
- Italian Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Salad with Strawberries and Candied Pecans
FAQs
What is a caprese sandwich?
A caprese sandwich is a heaven on bread. It is layers of tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella sandwiched in your choice of bread- in this case a baguette.
How can I keep my tomatoes from being watery on a sandwich?
The variety of tomato makes a big difference here! Choosing a variety like Roma or plum tomatoes will work wonders because they don’t have as much water in their flesh as say a beefsteak tomato. If you can’t find Roma or plum tomatoes, pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels to get rid of some of the excess water and make sure you layer the basil between the tomatoes and the bread.
How can I keep my mozzarella from getting soggy?
If you are worried your mozzarella will be soggy because you don’t plan to eat the baguette caprese right away, you can drain the excess moisture by letting the slices of mozzarella sit on on a paper towel lined plate for 10 minutes or so prior to building your sandwich.
Tips and Tricks
- Want a little freshness in your storebought pesto? Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice prior to spreading it out.
- Up the veggie factor by stuffing some arugula or baby spinach leaves in the caprese baguette.
- Add extra flavor by brushing olive oil onto the inside of the baguette halves and grilling it for a minute or two to get it golden.
- For more tang, drizzle on a balsamic reduction like the one from this strawberry caprese salad.
Other Caprese Recipes
Looking for more ways to enjoy the classic Caprese flavor? Here are some of our favorites:
- Fried Mozzarella Caprese– Everything is better with fried cheese.
- Strawberry Caprese Salad– Sweet strawberries replace tomatoes for an extra summery take on the classic.
- Panzanella Caprese Salad– Caprese plus bread equals goodness.
- Puff Pastry Caprese Cups– Cute little appetizer portions of Caprese salad are perfect for entertaining or date night in
- Easy Tortellini Caprese Skewers– Pillowy cheese filled pasta gets skewered with tomatoes and mozzarella for a lovely appetizer for holidays or other occasions,
- Instant Pot Caprese Pasta– Delicious hot or cold, it’s a yummy summer pasta
- Mini Caprese Skewers– An adorable presentation for portable appetizer Caprese
- Shrimp Caprese Pasta– A fancy take on Caprese pasta
- The Best Burrata Caprese Salad– Creamy burrata instead of mozzarella? OMG.
- Elegant and Easy Prosciutto Caprese Skewers– Caprese skewers with the addition of salty, savory Italian meat.
- Easy Pesto Caprese Salad (Italian Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil Salad)– Pesto and the classic flavors all together.
- Burrata Panzanella Salad Recipe– Cream filled mozzarella in a tomato bread salad.
Did you make this? Let me know!
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Equipment
- 1 bread knife
- 1 vegetable knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 baguette rolls
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 2 whole roma or plum tomatoes thinly sliced
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- 20 leaves fresh basil or more to taste
- 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the baguette rolls lengthwise in half.2 baguette rolls
- Spread the pesto out on each side of the insides of the sliced baguettes.2 tbsp pesto
- Layer half of the basil leaves onto the the bottom piece of pestoed baguettes.20 leaves fresh basil
- Top the basil with tomato slices.2 whole roma or plum tomatoes
- Layer the sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over top of the tomato slices.4 ounces fresh mozzarella
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.1 tsp salt and pepper
- Top the mozzarella with the remaining fresh basil.20 leaves fresh basil
- Close the sandwiches by putting the top of the baguette onto each sandwich. Enjoy!2 baguette rolls
Notes
Nutrition
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