Italian Bruschetta Caprese sandwich on ciabatta bread – simply baked in the oven. Delicious, quick and easy sandwich recipe for the famous Bruschetta Caprese with drool-worthy pesto (or ajvar) as a base, mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes.
We all know the Italian Bruschetta Caprese featuring fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil. However, today I’m going to share a lovely sandwich idea for the lovers of mozzarella and tomato combinations. This easy sandwich recipe can be served as appetizer, or even a main meal on a hot summer day. It’s quick, easy to make and really delicious. You can use either ciabatta bread or even a baguette.
FUN FACTS: Bruschetta Caprese is a modern twist on two classic Italian dishes, bruschetta and insalata caprese. Each has a distinct history in Italian cuisine, though their fusion is a more recent development.
Bruschetta originated in Italy as a way for farmers to salvage stale bread The word ”Bruschetta” comes from the Italian ”bruscare” which can be translated as ‘toasting bread’. So, bruschetta quickly became a common peasant snack, with simple toppings like olive oil, garlic, and salt. Historically, Bruschetta dates back to the Etruscan civilization in Central Italy, possibly as far back as the 15th century.
Insalata Caprese (Caprese Salad) has its roots on the island of Capri, off the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The salad is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, as a patriotic dish displaying the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). It became popular with Italian nobility and tourists seeking a light, fresh dish reflective of Italian culture.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ciabatta bread, large – cut in half lengthwise
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Large tomatoes
- Italian pesto , or Ajvar
- Fresh basil, minced
How to cook Bruschetta Caprese?
1st: Cut homemade or store-bought ciabatta bread lengthwise and brush each piece with pesto.
2nd: Arrange the pre-cut slices of tomatoes and mozzarella and bake in preheated oven for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil, cut and serve immediately.
NOTE: Bruschetta sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after baking.
What to serve with Bruschetta Caprese Sandwich?
A few light suggestions from my kitchen:
Italian Bruschetta Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 ciabatta bread, large
- 300 g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2-3 large tomatoes
- 100 g Italian pesto , or Ajvar
- 2 tbsp. fresh basil, minced
Instructions
- Cut ciabatta bread in two even parts lengthwise. Coat each piece with Italian pesto (see notes) or Ajvar.
- Cut tomatoes in thin slices, cut mozzarella cheese (if not precut). Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella one over the other so you can see the top of each layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or less, until mozzarella cheese melts and the edges of the bread start to brown.
- Remove from oven, cut gently with bread knife and sprinkle with fresh minced basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Great idea! Will try it.