Description
Caprese Toast is a quick, fresh, and flavorful open-faced sandwich that combines toasted ciabatta or sourdough bread with creamy fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory pesto, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and seasoning. Perfect for a light lunch or appetizer in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 4 slices of bread (ciabatta or sourdough recommended)
Toppings
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced, about 4 oz
- Ripe tomatoes, sliced, about 1 medium tomato
- Fresh basil leaves, 8 leaves
- Pesto sauce, about 4 tablespoons
Additional
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Lightly brush each bread slice with olive oil, then toast them on a grill or in a toaster until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside but still slightly soft inside.
- Spread Pesto: Once toasted, spread a generous layer of pesto sauce evenly over each slice of bread to add rich flavor and a fresh herbal note.
- Add Tomato Slices: Place one or two slices of ripe tomato on top of the pesto layer on each toast, ensuring even coverage.
- Layer Fresh Mozzarella: Add a slice or two of fresh mozzarella over the tomatoes to introduce a creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the mozzarella and tomatoes to enhance all the flavors.
- Garnish: Finish each toast by placing a fresh basil leaf on top to add aromatic freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the bread is warm and crunchy to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use good quality ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- You can substitute pesto with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a different taste.
- For a vegan version, replace mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve as an appetizer or a light snack alongside a green salad.
- To make the bread extra crispy, toast under a broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch to avoid burning.
