As the weather finally begins to warm up, it’s time to start bringing out the bright and flavorful foods of the upcoming season. One of my favorite dishes from practically any restaurant is a caprese sandwich, so here is a quick and easy recipe for making one right in your dorm.
For this recipe, you’ll need bread, preferably one with thick slices and a chewy texture like focaccia, ciabatta or sourdough. You’ll also need fresh mozzarella cheese, which can be found at most grocery stores, though you can use shredded cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Additionally, you’ll need tomatoes, basil leaves or a basil pesto and balsamic vinegar. I chose to use a big beef tomato for some sizable slices, but any variety will work.
If you can, I recommend toasting the bread in an oven after slicing. Lightly brush some olive oil onto the cut side and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it becomes golden brown around the edges. Each of the residence halls on campus has an oven in the kitchen attached to the lobby, so you may want to make a quick trip to use it if you want to really elevate the sandwich.
Once your bread is ready, cut your mozzarella and tomatoes into slices. I made mine about half an inch thick. If you’re using a smaller variety of tomato like a cherry or grape tomato, try cutting them in half and adding a few. Add the cheese and tomato to the sandwich, then the fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over top. If you’re choosing to use pesto, spread it onto the top layer of bread. Then, close up your caprese sandwich and enjoy!
This sandwich was absolutely delicious, with an excellent combination of flavors and textures.
I liked mine just the way it was, but if you want something a little different, adding some pickle slices or red onions might create some extra variety in the sandwich’s flavor profile. You can also roast the tomatoes before adding them, especially if you aren’t a fan of raw tomatoes. And, if you still find yourself thinking that it’s missing something, you can’t go wrong with a little salt and pepper or even a bit more olive oil on top.
This has definitely become one of my favorites, and I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s so simple to make, tastes great, and I already know I’ll be making it again in the future!
