A classic caprese sandwich layers fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil on bread with a touch of olive oil. This version takes a richer, deli-inspired approach with roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto on a toasted baguette.
For more tomato-forward recipes, try my Tomato Salad, Tomato Toast, and Tomato Bisque next.

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I kept the heart of a traditional caprese sandwich recipe, but built in a little more depth. Instead of fresh tomatoes, I use tomato confit, slow-roasted until soft, sweet, and jammy. The basil pesto brings a more concentrated, herby flavor, while the prosciutto adds that salty contrast. A splash of aged balsamic cuts through with just enough tang to balance everything out. It’s simple at its core, just layered to hit that balance of sweet, salty, and tangy in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Sandwich
- Fresh and satisfying – It’s everything you want in a summer sandwich, light enough for warm days but still filling, whether you’re packing it for lunch or bringing it to a picnic
- Great texture in every bite –The toasted baguette holds up to the juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, so nothing gets soggy
- Easy to pull together – Once the components are prepped, assembling the sandwich is quick and straightforward

What is a Caprese Sandwich?
A caprese sandwich is a simple Italian-inspired sandwich made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on bread, typically finished with olive oil and salt. It’s based on the classic Caprese salad and highlights fresh, balanced flavors.
Tools You’ll Need

Caprese Sandwich Ingredients
What is in a caprese sandwich? At its core, it’s made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil layered on bread with a touch of olive oil and salt. This version builds on those classic ingredients with a few thoughtful additions for more depth and balance.
- Baguette — I use a crusty baguette because it holds up well once toasted and gives the sandwich structure without getting soggy
- Prosciutto — I add this for a salty, savory layer that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese
- Buffalo mozzarella — Soft, creamy, and slightly tangy, this is what gives the sandwich that classic caprese feel
- Tomato confit — I slowly roast the cherry tomatoes until they’re soft, sweet, and jammy, which adds depth and a more concentrated tomato flavor
- Basil pesto — I use pesto instead of fresh basil for a more concentrated, herby flavor that spreads easily across the bread
- Aged balsamic vinegar — Just a small amount adds a tangy finish that cuts through the richness and ties everything together
- Kosher salt — A pinch goes a long way in bringing out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella
- Olive oil — I use this to toast the bread and add a subtle richness that carries through each bite
- Garlic — I rub the toasted bread with garlic for a light, savory depth that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients


How To Make a Caprese Sandwich
Below is a summary of how to make this caprese sandwich recipe. For a complete and detailed list of steps, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Prepare the Tomato Confit
Once the tomato confit is done roasting, I let it cool completely so it doesn’t melt the cheese too quickly or make the bread soggy. The oil and garlic from the confit are just as important as the tomatoes, so I make sure to keep all of that for assembling later.
Toast the Bread
I heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat, then slice the baguette into thirds and split each piece lengthwise. After drizzling the cut sides with olive oil, I toast them until golden and crisp, working in batches if needed. While the bread is still warm, I rub each piece with garlic to build that subtle layer of flavor right into the base.

Assemble the Sandwich
On the bottom half, I spread a generous layer of basil pesto, then add the prosciutto so it lays evenly across the bread. The top half gets the buffalo mozzarella, lightly seasoned with salt, followed by the tomato confit along with some of its oil and softened garlic.
Finish and Serve
Once everything is layered, I bring the two halves together and finish with a light drizzle of aged balsamic. Each section gets sliced into thirds, making it easy to serve right away while the bread is still crisp and everything inside is perfectly balanced.

Tips for Making the Best Caprese Sandwich
- Toast the bread well. A crisp baguette gives the sandwich structure and keeps it from getting soggy.
- Let the tomato confit cool. This prevents the mozzarella from melting too quickly and keeps the texture balanced.
- Drain the mozzarella. Removing excess moisture helps avoid a watery sandwich.
- Don’t skip the garlic rub. It adds a subtle layer of flavor that builds from the base.
- Layer with intention. Keeping wetter ingredients centered helps maintain the sandwich’s structure.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Caprese Sandwich — Add grilled or pan-seared chicken for a more filling option that pairs well with the pesto and roasted tomatoes
- Vegetarian — Skip the prosciutto and let the tomato confit, mozzarella, and pesto carry the sandwich with a balanced mix of flavor and texture
- Balsamic Glaze — Swap the aged balsamic vinegar for a thicker glaze if you want a slightly sweeter finish that clings to each bite
What to Serve with Caprese Sandwiches
Personally, I love this sandwich as is, but if you want to serve it with another dish, here are my suggestions.
- Simple green salad — Pair it with this Green Goddess Salad for a fresh, herby side that complements the sandwich without overpowering it.
- Potato chips — A salty, crunchy side that adds texture and keeps things easy.
- Pasta salad — A chilled pasta salad pairs well and makes this feel more like a full meal.
- Roasted vegetables — Seasonal vegetables add warmth and depth without overpowering the sandwich.
- Soup — Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup works well if you’re serving this as a more comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tomatoes for caprese?
The best tomatoes for caprese are ripe, in-season varieties like heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes that are juicy and full of flavor. For this recipe, I use cherry tomatoes for the confit since they roast down into a sweeter, more concentrated flavor that works perfectly here.
Can I make this caprese sandwich ahead of time?
It’s best assembled right before serving so the bread stays crisp. You can prep the tomato confit and pesto in advance, then build the sandwich when you’re ready to eat.
What bread works best for a caprese sandwich?
A crusty baguette or ciabatta works well because it holds up to the juicy ingredients. Toasting the bread also helps keep everything from getting soggy.

Looking for More Sandwich Recipes?
- Tuna Melt
- Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches
- Turkey Avocado Sandwich with Yuzu
- Japanese Egg Sandwich
- Tuna Sandwich Recipe
- BAT Sandwich
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Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- Tomato Confit Recipe
- Basil Pesto Recipe
- 1 large baguette
- 4 ounces proscuitto
- 6 ounces buffalo mozzarella, well-drained and torn
- aged balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
- kosher salt, to taste, Diamond Crystal
- quality olive oil, for the baguette
- 2 large garlic cloves, cut in half
Instructions
- Once tomato confit is finished roasting, allow too cool completely.
- Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cut baguette in into thirds and in half lengthwise. Drizzle cut side of both halves with quality olive oil. Toast until golden brown (you may need to do with in batches).
- Carefully scrape the top of each toasted half with garlic to infuse with garlic flavor.
- One the bottom half of baguette, spread desired amount of pesto then evenly divide proscuitto.
- One the top half, evenly distribute buffalo mozzarella then lightly season with salt. Top with tomato confit (including the oil and garlic). Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar. Bring both halves together, cut into thirds and enjoy!




