Transport yourself to the Italian countryside with our signature Caprese Panini. Inspired by the famous salad from the island of Capri, this sandwich proves that vegetarian options can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their meat-heavy counterparts. By utilizing just a few extraordinary ingredients and applying the perfect amount of heat, we create a sandwich that is melty, crispy, and incredibly fresh.
Fresh Fior di Latte Mozzarella
You cannot make a great Caprese with shredded pizza cheese. We use thick slabs of authentic "fior di latte" (flower of milk) fresh mozzarella. Because it has a higher moisture content and a delicate, milky flavor, it melts beautifully when pressed in the panini grill. As the cheese warms, it softens into a luxurious, stretchy texture that perfectly coats the other ingredients.
Heirloom Tomatoes & Fresh Basil
The brightness of this sandwich comes from our produce. We source massive, colorful heirloom tomatoes that are naturally sweeter and less acidic than standard grocery store varieties. We layer these with whole leaves of fresh sweet basil. The combination of the warm tomatoes, melted cheese, and aromatic basil creates a flavor profile that is vibrant, herbaceous, and unmistakably Mediterranean.
The Magic of the Press
All of these ingredients are carefully arranged inside a fresh ciabatta roll—a porous Italian bread known for its incredible crust. We place the sandwich in a hot, cast-iron panini press. The high heat toasts the outside of the ciabatta to a rigid, satisfying crunch, while the pressure forces the juices of the tomato, the melted mozzarella, and our sweet, sticky balsamic reduction to meld together into one cohesive, mouth-watering filling.
Tasting Notes
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, sweet, slightly tangy from the balsamic, and deeply herbaceous.
- Texture: A highly satisfying crunchy exterior with a warm, gooey, melted interior.
- Dietary Notes: 100% Vegetarian. A fantastic meat-free lunch option!
