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Caprese Hot Sandwich with Mozzarella

If you love caprese salad, you're going to be obsessed with this warm, melty sandwich version! Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together on crispy bread for a lunch that feels fancy but takes hardly any effort. It's like a little Italian vacation right at your kitchen table!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large ciabatta loaf or 4 ciabatta rolls
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
  • 3 large ripe tomatoes sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the ciabatta bread in half horizontally (or split the rolls).
  2. Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with minced garlic and brush it on the cut sides of the bread. Place bread on a baking sheet, cut side up, and toast in the oven for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Layer the mozzarella slices on the bottom half of the bread. Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. While the cheese melts, pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Remove bread from oven and layer the seasoned tomatoes and fresh basil leaves over the melted mozzarella.
  6. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and balsamic glaze, then top with the other bread half. Press gently, slice into 4 portions, and serve warm. Trust me, this one's a keeper!