Caprese baguette sandwich

Our cookbook, Love Real Food, is here! This Caprese sandwich is perfect for picnics and simple summer meals! Caprese baguette sandwich features layers of ripe red tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, arugula, balsamic vinegar and an irresistible, creamy basil sauce. Make this sandwich when tomatoes are in season!

We’re enjoying a lovely spring here in Kansas City. Our homegrown tomatoes won’t be ready for a while, but I’m sharing my favorite picnic sandwich with you since I can find great tomatoes at the store now. This Caprese sandwich recipe is inspired by the classic Caprese salad. It features ripe red tomatoes and sliced fresh mozzarella with the most irresistible creamy basil sauce. For extra flavor, I also added a little drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a small handful of arugula. Sandwich all of that inside a crusty loaf of French baguette, and you will have a perfectly portable sandwich for picnics or road trips.

Or, enjoy it at home for a quick meal from now through the end of tomato season this fall. This tomato and mozzarella sandwich is a terrific vegetarian sandwich that offers a surprising amount of protein, thanks to the cheese. This recipe is my homemade rendition of my go-to sandwich at our local French café. They’ve just added it back to the menu, so I’m excited that I can order it there or make one at home.

Caprese Sandwich Ingredients Just remember—the better the bread and the tomatoes, the better the sandwich! Baguette French baguette is perfect for this sandwich, or you can use any high-quality bread you have at home already. Homemade Creamy Basil Sauce You’re going to fall in love with this sauce! It’s easy to whip together in the food processor, or by hand if you’d rather. You’ll need mayonnaise, fresh basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Leftover sauce makes a lovely veggie dip. Thick Balsamic Vinegar Tangy balsamic vinegar provides some irresistible contrast to the creaminess of the sauce and the mozzarella.

10 and typically available at Natural Grocers and other well-stocked grocery stores. Arugula Arugula offers a light crunch and fresh, peppery flavor. I love it, but you can skip it if you don’t. Mozzarella Use one ball of mozzarella, which is different from the part-skim block of mozzarella that you buy for pizza.