½cupextra virgin olive oil more as neededuse divided
Couple twists black pepper
Salt to taste
For sandwich
2pairs Panini /ciabatta bread/sourdoughor of choice
Filling
2Ripe but firm Tomatoesthinly sliced
4count slices Fresh Mozzarellaor more if desired
Fistful Baby spinachor greens of choice
2teaspoonOlive Oil
1tablespoonBalsamic reduction
Pinchof salt
Couple twists pepper
Pinchof garlic powder
½teaspoonDried Italian herb blend.
Instructions
Basil Pesto
Pulse garlic in your food processor.
Add walnuts and pulse again.
Now throw in the basil, cheese, salt, pepper.
Pulse with pouring oil from the chute to aid blending.
Reserve some oil to top the pesto.
Use as needed.
For filling part
Thinly slice the tomatoes and fresh Mozzarella.
Place spinach, tomatoes, and cheese on a plate.
Drizzle it with some olive oil, balsamic reduction, a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
For making sandwich bites
Slightly warm up the bread if desired.
Spread pesto on slices of bread.
Add in tomatoes followed by spinach and mozzarella cheese layer.
Add another bread slice on the top and gently press the sandwich.
With a sharp knife cut it into four equal pieces.
If desired secure each piece with a toothpick or cocktail pick.
Notes
Serving Guide
This recipe is more of a guide to making delicious Caprese sandwiches.It makes two sandwiches. Serves 2 if eating as main or serves 4 if eating it as an appetizer.You can increase or decrease the recipe to fit your needs.
Make ahead of time tips
You can make pesto days ahead. Stays good for up to a week in the fridge or freeze in portion-size bags. Thaw as needed.
You can make the sandwiches up to 1 day in advance for a party or potluck. Wrap it in saran wrap and store it in the fridge until consumed.
It tastes great cold. You may slightly warm up the sandwiches if desired.
Possible substitutes
Use bread of your choice. Ciabatta, sourdough, whole grain, mini French bread rolls, focaccia, or even white bread works well.
You may use store-bought pesto.
Use pine nuts instead of walnuts for pesto.
Add more veggies like thinly sliced onions, roasted bell peppers, cucumbers.