Caprese Pesto Roast Beef Sandwiches
If you love a good roast beef sandwich but want something a little more exciting than roast beef, cheese, and mustard, you need to try these caprese pesto roast beef sandwiches.
We’re talking shaved roast beef, fresh mozzarella, juicy beefsteak tomato, fresh basil, pesto, creamy mayonnaise, and an easy homemade balsamic glaze piled onto a soft hoagie roll.
And yes, it is every bit as good as it sounds.
The pesto and balsamic glaze are what really take this sandwich over the top. Pesto brings that fresh basil and garlic flavor, while the balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that is just perfect with the tomato, mozzarella, and roast beef.
Best of all, the balsamic glaze sounds fancy but takes just a few minutes to make.
You can have these sandwiches on the table with very little effort, yet they look and taste like you put way more work into them than you actually did.
What Is a Caprese Sandwich?
A traditional Caprese salad is made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, and usually olive oil and seasonings. It’s a simple Italian combination that relies on fresh ingredients rather than a long list of complicated components.
For this sandwich, we’re taking those familiar Caprese flavors and adding shaved roast beef and pesto.
The result is a substantial sandwich that is great for lunch, dinner, picnics, casual entertaining, or those days when you want something really good without spending an hour cooking.
Fresh mozzarella gives the sandwich a creamy, cheesy bite, while the tomato adds juiciness and freshness. Roast beef makes it hearty enough to be a real meal, and pesto brings plenty of basil and garlic flavor.
Then comes that balsamic glaze.
That’s where everything comes together.
Why You’ll Love These Caprese Pesto Roast Beef Sandwiches
First, this is really easy sandwich to make.
There is no complicated cooking involved, and the only thing that really needs to be prepared is the balsamic glaze. Even that takes only a few minutes.
Next, the combination of flavors is fantastic.
Roast beef has a rich savory flavor, while fresh mozzarella is mild and creamy. The tomato adds brightness, pesto brings basil and garlic, and the balsamic glaze gives the sandwich a sweet-tangy finish.
Meanwhile, the mayonnaise adds just enough creaminess to balance everything.
You also get a great mix of textures. The soft hoagie roll surrounds tender roast beef, juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Most importantly, this sandwich doesn’t require a long ingredient list to taste special.
Sometimes the best meals are the ones where you take a handful of really good ingredients and let them do their thing.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Caprese Pesto Roast Beef
Hoagie Rolls
I use four hoagie rolls for this recipe.
Choose rolls that are soft enough to bite into easily but sturdy enough to hold the roast beef, tomato, mozzarella, pesto, and glaze without falling apart.
Homemade or fresh bakery rolls work especially well here.
Shaved Roast Beef
You’ll need one pound of shaved roast beef.
Shaved roast beef makes these sandwiches easy to eat because you can get plenty of beef in every bite.
You can use deli roast beef for convenience or use leftover homemade roast beef if you have it. My favorite is the London Broil at Meijer.
Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is essential for the caprese flavor.
I use 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella sliced into pieces that fit nicely on the hoagie rolls.
Fresh mozzarella has a softer texture and a milder flavor than many standard sandwich cheeses, which makes it especially good with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Pesto
Four tablespoons of pesto bring a huge amount of flavor to these sandwiches.
Pesto typically contains basil, garlic, Parmesan, nuts, olive oil, and seasonings, so you get several layers of flavor in one simple ingredient.
Spread it directly over the mozzarella so it can mingle with the cheese as you eat.
Mayonnaise
Four tablespoons of mayonnaise go onto the bottom half of the hoagie rolls.
You might wonder why we’re using both mayonnaise and pesto. The answer is simple: they serve different purposes.
Mayonnaise gives the sandwich a creamy base, while pesto provides that bold basil and garlic flavor.
Together, they make the sandwich richer without making it complicated.
Beefsteak Tomato
One large beefsteak tomato gives you plenty of juicy tomato slices for four sandwiches.
Because tomatoes are such a major part of a caprese-inspired sandwich, use the best tomato you can find.
A ripe summer tomato is made for a sandwich like this.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil finishes the sandwiches and reinforces the caprese flavors.
Don’t skip it if you have fresh basil available.
That fresh basil aroma hits you the second you take a bite, and it works beautifully with both the pesto and balsamic glaze.
Easy Balsamic Glaze
The homemade balsamic glaze might be my favorite part of this sandwich.
You only need two ingredients:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
That’s it.
Add the balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan and simmer until the mixture reduces by half.
As it cooks, the vinegar becomes thicker and more concentrated. The honey adds a little sweetness, which helps balance the sharpness of the balsamic vinegar.
Once it has reduced, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the glaze to cool.
As it cools, it will thicken even more.
Don’t worry if it seems a little thinner while it’s hot. The consistency changes as the glaze cools.
How to Make Caprese Pesto Roast Beef Sandwiches
Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze
Start with the balsamic glaze because it needs a little time to cool.
Add the balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it has reduced by half.
Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it as it cooks. You don’t want to boil it aggressively.
Once it has reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
That’s seriously the hardest part of this entire recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls
Slice each hoagie roll in half.
Spread mayonnaise over the bottom half of each roll.
You don’t need a huge amount. A tablespoon per sandwich gives you enough creamy flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Roast Beef
Next, divide the shaved roast beef between the four sandwiches.
Pile it onto the bottom half of each hoagie roll.
Don’t worry about making the beef perfectly flat. A little height makes the sandwiches feel hearty and generous.
Step 4: Add the Tomato and Mozzarella
Slice your beefsteak tomato and fresh mozzarella.
Place the tomato slices over the roast beef, followed by the fresh mozzarella.
At this point, you should already have a pretty fantastic-looking sandwich.
The red tomato, white mozzarella, and green pesto and basil give it that classic caprese look.
Step 5: Add the Pesto
Spread the pesto over the mozzarella.
I like putting the pesto directly on top of the cheese because it stays in place nicely instead of soaking into the bread.
Plus, every bite gets plenty of that basil and garlic flavor.
Step 6: Drizzle With Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the sandwich.
You don’t need to drown it. A little drizzle goes a long way because the balsamic flavor is concentrated after reducing.
If you love balsamic, though, I’m certainly not going to tell you to stop.
Step 7: Finish With Fresh Basil
Top each sandwich with a few fresh basil leaves.
Then place the top half of the hoagie roll on the sandwich.
Serve immediately.
Voila- you’ve just made a seriously good sandwich.
Why Pesto and Balsamic Work So Well Together
Pesto and balsamic glaze are doing two completely different jobs here, which is why they work so well together.
Pesto is fresh, herbal, garlicky, nutty, and savory.
Balsamic glaze is sweet, tangy, rich, and concentrated.
When you put those flavors with fresh mozzarella and ripe tomato, the sandwich gets much more interesting than it would be with a standard condiment.
The roast beef also benefits from both flavors.
Its savory beefiness gives the pesto and balsamic something substantial to work with, while the tomato and basil keep the sandwich from feeling too heavy.
Tips for Making the Best Roast Beef Sandwiches
Use a Good Tomato
Since tomato is such an important ingredient here, don’t settle for a flavorless tomato if you can avoid it.
A ripe beefsteak tomato makes me giddy during tomato season.
If you’ve got garden tomatoes, this is the sandwich you want to use them on.
Don’t Overdo the Balsamic Glaze
The glaze is concentrated, so you don’t need much.
Start with a light drizzle. You can always add more after tasting the sandwich.
Let the Balsamic Glaze Cool
The glaze thickens as it cools.
Therefore, don’t worry if it looks thinner than expected when you first remove it from the stove.
Give it some time.
Use Fresh Basil
Dried basil won’t give you the same fresh Caprese flavor.
Fresh basil leaves add both flavor and aroma, so this is one ingredient worth keeping fresh.
Don’t Skip the Pesto
The pesto brings garlic, basil, herbs, cheese, and so much richness to the sandwich. Along with the balsamic glaze, it gives the roast beef sandwich its signature flavor.
Can I Make Caprese Pesto Roast Beef Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
I recommend assembling these sandwiches shortly before serving.
The tomato and balsamic glaze can add moisture to the bread if the sandwiches sit for too long.
Fortunately, the components can be prepared ahead.
Make the balsamic glaze and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. You can also slice the mozzarella and tomato ahead of time and have the roast beef ready to go.
Then, when you’re ready for lunch or dinner, assembling the sandwiches takes only a few minutes.
What to Serve With Caprese Roast Beef Sandwiches
These sandwiches are filling enough to serve on their own, but adding a side turns them into a complete meal.
A simple green salad is an easy choice.
Potato salad would also be delicious, especially for a summer lunch.
You could serve them with pasta salad, fresh fruit, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup when the weather gets cooler.
For a casual summer meal, add some potato chips and fresh fruit to the plate and call it dinner.
Can I Use Leftover Roast Beef?
These sandwiches are a fantastic way to use leftover roast beef.
Slice the leftover beef as thinly as possible and use it in place of deli roast beef.
The homemade roast beef will give the sandwich even more flavor, especially if you’ve got leftovers from a Sunday dinner.
You can also adjust the amount of beef depending on how substantial you want the sandwiches to be.
Can I Use Another Type of Bread?
Yes.
Hoagie rolls work particularly well because they’re sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients, but you could also use ciabatta rolls, French bread, focaccia, or another sturdy sandwich roll.
Just keep in mind that very soft bread may become soggy more quickly because of the tomato and balsamic glaze.
Can I Toast the Sandwiches?
You can. Our daughter prefers a toasted sandwich, so we sometimes toast them for everyone.
If you want warm sandwiches, you can lightly toast the hoagie rolls before assembling them.
Another option is to warm the roast beef slightly before building the sandwich.
I wouldn’t heat the completed sandwich for too long because fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze are at their best when the ingredients retain their fresh qualities.
A Sandwich That Tastes Like Summer
I love this sandwich because it doesn’t require a lot of cooking to create a really satisfying meal.
You’ve got roast beef for something hearty, fresh mozzarella for creaminess, tomatoes for freshness, basil and pesto and balsamic glaze for big flavor.
Even better, you can have the entire thing assembled in minutes.
This is the kind of sandwich I like to make on a hot summer day. Slice the tomato, pull out the mozzarella, grab the roast beef and pesto, and make that quick balsamic glaze.
Why You’ll Make These Again
Once you’ve made the balsamic glaze, you’ll probably start wondering what else you can put it on.
Drizzle it over caprese salad. Add it to grilled vegetables. Spoon some over fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Use it on other sandwiches or wraps.
As for these roast beef sandwiches, I think the combination is hard to beat.
The pesto brings the basil and garlic.
The balsamic glaze brings the sweet-tangy flavor.
Fresh mozzarella gives you that classic caprese element, while tomato and basil keep everything bright.
Finally, the roast beef turns all of those fresh flavors into a hearty sandwich.
And because it’s so easy to make, it’s perfect for busy days when you still want to eat something with bold flavor.
So grab some good bread, find a ripe tomato, slice up that mozzarella, and don’t be shy with the pesto.
Then drizzle on that balsamic glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a caprese roast beef sandwich?
This sandwich combines roast beef, fresh mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, pesto, mayonnaise, and a homemade balsamic glaze on a hoagie roll.
What kind of tomato is best for this sandwich?
Beefsteak tomatoes are an excellent choice because they are large, juicy, and easy to slice. Fresh garden tomatoes are especially delicious when they’re ripe and in season.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Homemade pesto is wonderful, but a good store-bought pesto makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy.
Can I make balsamic glaze without honey?
Yes. You can reduce balsamic vinegar on its own, although honey adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy vinegar in this recipe.
Can I use fresh mozzarella balls?
Yes. If you have small fresh mozzarella balls, you can slice them and arrange them over the roast beef.
Are these sandwiches good for lunch?
Definitely. They’re especially good for a quick lunch when you want something more substantial than a basic deli sandwich.
Can I make these for a party?
Yes. For a party, make smaller versions using small rolls or cut larger sandwiches into portions. Just wait until shortly before serving to assemble them so the bread stays fresh.
More Sandwich Recipes
Cuban Sandwiches
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
Caprese Pesto Roast Beef Sandwich
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Equipment
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 Hoagie rolls
- 1 pound Roast beef, shaved
- 8 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese slices
- 4 tbsp Pesto
- 4 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Beefsteak tomato
- Fresh Basil leaves
Balsamic Glaze
- 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Honey
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey until reduced to half. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- Slice the hoagie rolls in half and spread the mayonnaise on the bottom.
- Top with roast beef, sliced tomato and sliced mozzarella.
- Spread the pesto on top of the mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle on the balsamic glaze and top with a few fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
