Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze
Make Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze, an Italian lunch recipe with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar (optional, for sweeter glaze), ciabatta rolls or thick-cut sourdough bread. It has about 20 min, about 480 calories per serving. Get ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition estimates, FAQs, and Recipe Genius app tools.
Quick answer
Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze is an Italian lunch recipe that takes about 20 min, makes 2 servings, has about 480 calories per serving. Use the ingredients and steps below, or open it in Recipe Genius for guided Cook Mode, timers, serving changes, and a shopping list.
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View on AmazonCaprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze ingredients
- 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for sweeter glaze)
- 2 ea ciabatta rolls or thick-cut sourdough bread
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1-2 ea ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 12 ea fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
How to make Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze
- To make the balsamic glaze, pour 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. If desired, stir in 1 tsp brown sugar for a slightly sweeter glaze.
- Bring the balsamic vinegar to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon. It should have a syrupy consistency.
- Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat according to the manufacturer's instructions, or heat a large skillet over medium heat if using a skillet with a heavy object to press.
- Slice each of the 2 ciabatta rolls or sourdough bread horizontally to create two halves. Brush the cut sides of the bread lightly with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
- Layer the ingredients on the bottom half of each bread: start with half of the 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella, followed by the slices from 1-2 ripe tomatoes, and then about 6 fresh basil leaves.
- Season the tomato and cheese layers with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle a small amount of the prepared balsamic glaze over the filling.
- Place the top half of the bread onto the assembled panini.
- Place the panini on the preheated panini press and close the lid, pressing down gently. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. If using a skillet, cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down with a heavy object.
- Carefully remove the panini from the press. Slice each panini in half diagonally and serve immediately, drizzling with extra balsamic glaze if desired.
Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze FAQ
How do I make Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze?
Make Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze by gathering the ingredients below, following the step-by-step instructions, and checking that everything is cooked safely before serving.
What ingredients are in Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze?
The main ingredients include balsamic vinegar, brown sugar (optional, for sweeter glaze), ciabatta rolls or thick-cut sourdough bread, fresh mozzarella, sliced, ripe tomatoes, sliced. The full ingredient list is included on this page.
How long does Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze take?
This recipe takes about 20 min, depending on prep speed and kitchen equipment.
How many calories are in Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze?
Recipe Genius estimates about 480 calories per serving. Nutrition is estimated, so use your own labels when precision matters.
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