It may be fall, but we are still enjoying summer tomatoes and basil. Our basil plants are on fire. I can’t keep up! I made a big batch of pesto and have been putting it on everything, including these Open Face Caprese Pesto Sandwiches.

If you are a fan of the classic caprese sandwich, you will love this Open Face Caprese Pesto Sandwich. It is so easy to make and the flavors are divine. You really can’t go wrong with grilled bread, pesto, mozzarella cheese, and fresh tomatoes. Kids and adults love this one! These sandwiches are great for a simple lunch or dinner. And you can bring in a little fall by serving roasted tomato basil soup on the side. Enjoy!

Open Face Caprese Pesto Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 slices (about 1/2 in. thick) crusty Italian or French bread
• 3/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store bought is fine)
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Preheat a grill to medium heat. Brush one side of the bread lightly with olive oil.

2. Lay bread oiled side down on grill and cook until slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Carefully spread pesto on toasted side of bread. Lay tomato slices on bread to fit, overlapping if needed, then lay cheese slices over tomatoes. Cover grill and cook until cheese starts to melt, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Transfer sandwiches to a platter. Sprinkle fresh basil  over each sandwich and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

More recipes with pesto:

Oh So Yummy, Chicken Pesto Pasta – This is a family favorite your crew is sure to love too. It whips up in a flash, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

Healthy Potato Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing – Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side for grilled chicken or fish. Or to take to a potluck. It’s easy to double it, and you’ll want to because it’s sure to be popular. It might just become your favorite potato salad too!

Easy Lunchbox Idea: Turkey Pesto Roll-Ups – These are so quick to put together in the morning to add to the kids lunches and they’re delicious to boot! I actually made an extra one for my lunch – mom’s gotta eat too :)

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Caprese Pesto Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 8 slices about 1/2 in. thick crusty Italian or French bread
• 3/4 cup basil pesto homemade or store bought is fine
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes sliced
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill to medium heat. Brush one side of the bread lightly with olive oil.
2. Lay bread oiled side down on grill and cook until slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Carefully spread pesto on toasted side of bread. Lay tomato slices on bread to fit, overlapping if needed, then lay cheese slices over tomatoes. Cover grill and cook until cheese starts to melt, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer sandwiches to a platter. Sprinkle fresh basil  over each sandwich and season with salt and pepper, to taste.