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A hearty Italian‑inspired sandwich featuring roasted grape tomatoes, homemade basil‑pine nut pesto, creamy burrata, peppery arugula, and a sweet balsamic glaze on toasted Italian bread. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
The Caprese sandwich draws inspiration from the classic Caprese salad of southern Italy, which celebrates the colors of the Italian flag with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Transforming it into a sandwich reflects modern Italian street‑food trends, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple preparation.
In coastal regions like Liguria, the sandwich often includes pesto and focaccia, while in Naples it may feature fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil. The Detroit 75 Kitchen version adds burrata and balsamic glaze for a richer, American‑style twist.
In Italy, a similar open‑faced sandwich would be served on crusty ciabatta, lightly brushed with olive oil, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, and eaten immediately while the bread is still warm and the cheese is creamy.
Caprese‑style dishes are popular during summer picnics, beach outings, and casual family gatherings because they showcase peak‑season tomatoes and fresh basil. They’re also common at aperitivo gatherings.
Pair it with a light arugula‑lemon salad, a bowl of minestrone, or a glass of crisp Italian white wine such as Vermentino for a balanced meal.
The sandwich combines classic Italian flavors—roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, and burrata—with American comfort elements like a toasted Italian roll and sweet balsamic glaze, creating a bridge between traditional and contemporary tastes.
Common errors include over‑roasting the tomatoes until they dry out, under‑toasting the bread which leads to sogginess, and over‑mixing the pesto which can become overly oily. Follow the timing cues and keep an eye on the nuts and bread.
Toasting pine nuts intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch to the pesto. Raw nuts can taste bitter and produce a flatter sauce.
Yes—prepare the roasted tomatoes and pesto up to 3 days ahead, storing each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the bread toasted and assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain texture.
The YouTube channel Detroit 75 Kitchen specializes in approachable, home‑cooked American and international recipes with a focus on classic comfort foods, seasonal ingredients, and clear step‑by‑step video tutorials.
Detroit 75 Kitchen blends traditional Italian flavors with American pantry staples and modern twists, emphasizing practical home techniques over strict authenticity, whereas many Italian channels focus on regional purity and advanced techniques.
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