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If you're craving a delicious, vegetarian sandwich that seamlessly marries the vibrant flavors of a classic Italian Caprese salad, look no further than the Eggplant Caprese Grilled Sandwich. This delightful dish not only pleases the palate but also caters to health-conscious eaters and culinary enthusiasts alike. With its fresh ingredients, ease of preparation, and satisfying taste, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner.

Eggplant Caprese Grilled Sandwich

Looking for a delicious vegetarian sandwich? Try the Eggplant Caprese Grilled Sandwich! This recipe combines the rich, smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all layered between artisanal bread. It's not only easy to make but also packed with health benefits. Perfect for a quick lunch or hearty dinner, this sandwich offers a gourmet experience right in your kitchen. Discover how to create this mouthwatering dish today!

Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese

1 large tomato, sliced

Fresh basil leaves (about 10 leaves)

Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

4 slices of artisanal bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough

2 tablespoons pesto sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for grilling

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant:

    Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats, brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the eggplant slices on the grill and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, until tender and beautifully marked by the grill. Once grilled, remove the slices and set aside.

      Assemble the Sandwich:

        Take two slices of your selected artisanal bread and spread a tablespoon of pesto on one side of each slice. On the opposite side, layer one slice of fresh mozzarella cheese, followed by a grilled eggplant slice, a tomato slice, and several fresh basil leaves. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and add another slice of mozzarella cheese on top, completing the sandwich assembly. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to make a second sandwich.

          Grill the Sandwich:

            In the same grill pan (or you can use a skillet), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Grill each sandwich for about 4-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula. This helps achieve a golden-brown crust while ensuring the cheese melts to perfection. For quicker melting of the cheese, consider covering the pan with a lid during grilling.

              Serve:

                Once your sandwiches are grilled to a delightful golden brown and the cheese is gooey, remove them from the pan. Allow them to cool for a minute before cutting each sandwich in half for easy handling. Serve warm, garnished with additional basil leaves and extra balsamic glaze on the side for a flavorful dipping experience.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 2 servings

                    Enjoy your delicious Eggplant Caprese Grilled Sandwich!