Eggplant Caprese Sandwich Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the combination of smoky grilled eggplant and creamy mozzarella that captures the essence of a sun-kissed Italian summer, and I can’t wait to share with you this simple yet sumptuous Eggplant Caprese Sandwich that feels like a mini-vacation for your taste buds!

My passion lies in crafting an Eggplant Caprese Sandwich that explodes with the vibrant tastes of summer. Freshly sliced mozzarella sets the creamy layer of this sandwich; next come the garden-fresh, ripe summer tomatoes (and yes, they should be from your garden or the farmer’s market).

These things alone deliver a bomb of a flavor. But hold on …

there’s so much more. Wait.

I’m not done yet. The cast of characters in this sandwich offers much more than simply delivering flavor.

You’re looking at:

1. A creamy layer of fresh mozzarella that sets a super rich-sandwich bar high.

2. A layer of tomatoes that practically weep with the juice of summer.

And 지방 down the seeds, because otherwise, it’ll taste like, you know, summer. 3.

Fresh basil leaves that serve as the most herbaceous herb on the planet. Hold on—don’t even think about deep-frying basil in olive oil.

That’s a whole burrata sandwich’s worth of frying type of flavor on the bread.

Eggplant Caprese Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

• Eggplant: Low-calorie, high in fiber, supports digestion.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavor.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Protein-rich, creamy texture.
• Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins, adds juiciness.
• Basil Leaves: Fragrant, aids in digestion.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet, tangy, depth of flavor.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Provides carbohydrates, chewy texture.

Eggplant Caprese Sandwich Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half
• Optional: 1 clove garlic, halved

How to Make this Eggplant Caprese Sandwich Recipe

1. Get your grill or grill pan ready by heating it to medium-high.

2. Coat both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil, and then apply salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Cook the eggplant on the grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Look for tenderness and for those lovely, burned, eggplant-perfect grill marks. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. If you would like, you can add even more flavor to the ciabatta rolls by rubbing the freshly cut sides with a halved garlic clove. This is a totally optional step!

5. Stack the grilled eggplant, fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil on the bottom of the ciabatta rolls.

6. For each sandwich, drizzle approximately 1/2 tablespoon of balsamic glaze.

7. Position the upper halves of the ciabatta rolls on the sandwiches.

8. If desired, you can grill the assembled sandwiches for 1-2 minutes on each side to lightly toast the bread and melt the cheese.

9. Cut each sandwich in half for easier handling.

10. Enjoy your Eggplant Caprese Sandwich, served immediately!

Eggplant Caprese Sandwich Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Grill or grill pan
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Basting brush or spoon
5. Tongs
6. Measuring tablespoons
7. Optional: Garlic press or small grater (if you choose to grate the garlic instead of rubbing)
8. Plate or tray for resting grilled eggplant
9. Serving knife for cutting sandwiches

FAQ

• Q: Can I grill the eggplant instead of roasting it?A: Indeed, there is no doubt that grilling the eggplant imbues it with an alluring flavor of smoke. Moreover, grilling eggplant is incredibly simple. And really, it has to be simple if there is a hope of it being a common summertime dish, a dish so ubiquitous it could have the moniker of a “patio special.” But as I drooled over the photos of the grilled eggplant in Jeremy Sewall’s new cookbook, The New England Kitchen, I realized I could not remember the last time I came across a summer menu featuring grilled eggplant.
• Q: What can I use as a substitute for ciabatta rolls?A: Hearty bread of any kind will do, such as sourdough, a French baguette, or even focaccia, to hold the components together.
• Q: How do I make balsamic glaze at home?A: To create balsamic glaze, take 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and heat it over medium heat until it reduces down to a thick, syrupy consistency. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
• Q: Can this sandwich be made ahead of time?A: It is freshest that way, but you can make the components in advance and put the sandwich together right before serving, so it doesn’t get all soggy.
• Q: Is there a way to make this sandwich vegan?Yes, switch out the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese and use a vegan ciabatta roll.
• Q: How can I add more flavor to the eggplant?A: To add flavor to the eggplant, slice it, then marinate the slices in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
• Q: Can I add any extra vegetables to the sandwich?A: Definitely! Zucchini prepared on the grill or roasted red peppers would blend in well with the other components.

Eggplant Caprese Sandwich Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Eggplant: Replace with portobello mushroom caps for a meaty texture.
Use sliced provolone or goat cheese for a different flavor from fresh mozzarella.
Tomatoes: Substitute with roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky taste.
Basil leaves, fresh: Substitute with arugula or baby spinach and add pepper for a peppery note.
Ciabatta rolls: Try sourdough bread or a baguette for a crispy substitute.

Pro Tips

1. For a richer flavor, marinate the eggplant slices in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or dried oregano for about 15 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the eggplant with more aromatic flavors.

2. When grilling the eggplant, press it gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and more defined grill marks. This will enhance both the texture and appearance of your sandwich.

3. Use high-quality fresh mozzarella and ensure it is well-drained before slicing; this prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to stand out better.

4. To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating a few thin slices of fresh chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes between the layers. This can complement the sweetness of the balsamic glaze and the freshness of the basil.

5. If you choose to grill the assembled sandwiches, use a weighted press or pan on top of the sandwiches while grilling. This will compress the ingredients slightly, making them easier to handle and enhancing the melding of flavors.