Charred Caprese Sandwich

A gourmet twist on the classic Caprese sandwich featuring charred bread, blistered tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and herbs. The sandwich is elevated with a tangy mayo-mustard spread and pickled shallots.

2 servings
31 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch Kosher salt
  • 1 large shallot
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ whole baguette
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 1 cup basil leaves
  • ½ cup parsley leaves
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl; season with salt.

    3 min

  2. 2.

    Toss shallot, garlic, and vinegar in another small bowl; season with salt. Let sit 10 minutes. Drain, reserving shallots and vinegar separately in small bowls.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Brush cut sides of bread with 2 Tbsp. oil total and grill until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side. (Or broil bread halves, cut side up, until lightly charred, about 2 minutes.) Season with salt; let cool.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high (you can do this directly on the grill grates or on a burner). Toss tomatoes with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and cook, shaking pan often, until tomatoes are blistered and lightly charred, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes to bowl with reserved vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly, then add basil, parsley, and lemon zest and toss gently to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

    8 min

  5. 5.

    Spread both halves of baguette with mayonnaise mixture. Top with mozzarella, tomato salad, and shallots, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Mayonnaise can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.