A simple and easy sandwich that is full of fresh ingredients and flavor! These Bacon Caprese Sandwiches will surely not disappoint. The crispy bacon, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and creamy pesto mayo will have your taste buds screaming for more!

Fresh & Flavorful

A long time ago, I was introduced to Authentic Italian Food. After years of having Americanized Italian Food, I was so shocked at the difference in flavor. The ingredients were fresh and had amazing quality. I’m so glad that I was never a picky eater! I would’ve missed out on so many great meals!

I wanted to recreate that same experience back in my house with a slight twist. My Bacon Caprese Sandwiches definitely did that and more! The simplicity of the sandwich made it even better. I know you all will love them as much as I did!

What is Caprese?

So, some of you are probably wondering what in the world a Caprese Sandwich is. A Caprese sandwich is one that is made up of three main ingredients: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil. Before these ingredients were turned into a sandwich, they were a Caprese Salad.

The Caprese Salad originated in Italy and displays the colors of the Italian Flag (green, white, and red). The salad is seasoned with ingredients such as coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, olive oil, and/or balsamic vinegar. The sandwich follows the same ingredients and steps just with the added slices of bread and spread.

Caprese is colorful and full of simple but bold flavors! Once you try it once, you will want it over and over again!

Bacon Caprese Sandwich Ingredients:

I love how many fresh ingredients there are in this recipe! The ingredients are simple and can be found in pretty much any store.

Some of the ingredients are probably sitting in your refrigerator waiting to be used. 

• Balsamic Vinegar: This is probably one of my all-time favorite kinds of vinegar! It is bold with a slight sweetness. When reduced, the natural sugars inside come alive. You only need about ½ of a cup for this recipe.  

• Light Brown Sugar: I used about a ¼ cup of light brown sugar. It is reduced with balsamic vinegar to make the glaze. It is so much cheaper than buying glaze from the store.

• Bacon: Everything, in my opinion, is better with bacon! The saltiness and crispiness cannot be compared to anything. If you do not eat pork, there are several vegan and vegetarian bacon alternatives on the market 

• Mayonnaise: I always suggest using a good quality mayonnaise such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s. I mixed the mayo with some pesto and ground black pepper to make a delicious pesto mayo.  

• Pesto: If you have never tried pesto, I highly suggest it! It’s an easy sauce made of garlic, pine nuts, salt, basil leaves, and some hard cheese (i.e. Parmigiano-Reggiano). It is then blended with olive oil.

• Bread: You can pretty much use any type of bread that you like. But, I suggest using sourdough, focaccia, or ciabatta. They toast and press really nicely. 

• Fresh Mozzarella: It’s nothing like some fresh mozzarella. For this sandwich, I like to cut the cheese into ⅛ to ¼ inch slices. 

• Roma Tomatoes: The best time to use these tomatoes is when they are in season. They are one of my favorites and make the best tomato sauce! I sliced them into ⅛ to ¼ inch slices as well. 

• Fresh Greens: The greens add some additional fiber and color to the sandwich. Plus, the pesto mayo will go great with them as well. I suggest using fresh arugula or spinach.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: The basil leaves really sets off the flavor of these sandwiches! It is both sweet and savory. Plus, you can taste hints of pepper and mint.

• Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Top your sandwiches off with some kosher salt and ground black pepper. The two will bring out the flavors of every single ingredient beautifully. 

How to Make Bacon Caprese Sandwiches

Now that we understand what goes into the recipe, let’s get started! The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make! I couldn’t get enough of these easy sandwiches. They were the perfect lunch!

The full written recipe is below, but here’s an overview.

• Step 1: Cook the Bacon. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon slices on medium to medium-high heat until crispy (about 5 - 7 minutes). You can also cook the bacon in the oven as well. Drain off the excess fat. 

• Step 2: Make the Balsamic Glaze. While the bacon is cooking, in a small saucepan combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Reduced the mixture by 1/2 over medium heat. Do not boil, turn to medium-low if needed. Set aside to cool.

• Step 3: Make the Pesto Mayo. Combine the mayo and pesto in a small bowl. Season to taste with ground black pepper. 

• Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches. Toast the slices of bread in a toaster or toaster oven. Spread the pesto mayo on each slice of bread. Assemble the sandwiches in the following order: arugula, mozzarella, bacon, and tomatoes. 

• Step 5: Garnish & Serve! Sprinkle the sandwiches with salt and ground black pepper. Top with basil and drizzle a little balsamic glaze. Top with another slice of bread and slice! Serve immediately and enjoy!

I’d love to hear your feedback about these Bacon Caprese Sandwiches! Leave me a message in the comments section below. Remember to share and enjoy! Follow Be Greedy Eats on Pinterest and Instagram as well!

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