Roasted Veggie Caprese Cheese (Printable Version)

A golden grilled sandwich layered with roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips

→ Sandwich Assembly

04 - 8 slices rustic sourdough or Italian bread
05 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
06 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
07 - 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange zucchini and pepper slices on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast vegetables for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once, until tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside.
04 - Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice.
05 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer roasted vegetables, mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper, drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, then top with remaining bread slices, buttered side outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
07 - Cook sandwiches 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently and flipping as needed, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
08 - Slice sandwiches and serve warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The roasted vegetables add a sweetness that balances perfectly with creamy mozzarella
  • It transforms an ordinary lunch into something that feels like a cafe meal
02 -
  • Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly before assembling, or they will make the cheese melt too fast and the bread will not crisp properly
  • Low and slow heat produces better melting than high heat, which burns the bread before the cheese warms through
03 -
  • A cast iron skillet distributes heat more evenly than stainless steel, producing consistent browning across the entire bread surface
  • Mayonnaise mixed with the butter creates an even crispier exterior and adds subtle richness
Go Back