Description
A delicious Mediterranean-inspired Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich featuring crusty artisan bread, creamy goat cheese, flavorful olive tapenade, fresh arugula, and ripe tomato, lightly toasted and pan-grilled to golden perfection for a satisfying vegetarian lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices crusty artisan bread or ciabatta
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup arugula or baby spinach
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread slices if desired to add crispness and prevent sogginess when assembling the sandwich.
- Spread Goat Cheese: Evenly spread 2 ounces of softened goat cheese on two slices of the toasted bread as a creamy and tangy base.
- Add Olive Tapenade: Top the goat cheese with a generous layer of olive tapenade, imparting salty and savory Mediterranean flavors.
- Layer Tomatoes and Greens: Place a few thin slices of tomato and a small handful of arugula or baby spinach on top of the tapenade for freshness and crunch.
- Season: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the vegetables to enhance all the flavors.
- Assemble Sandwich: Cover with the remaining two bread slices to form complete sandwiches.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the outer sides of the sandwiches with olive oil to promote browning and crisp texture during cooking.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread turns golden brown and the filling is warmed through.
- Serve: Remove from the pan, slice if desired, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini slices inside the sandwich.
- You can substitute crusty artisan bread with whole grain bread or a baguette for different textures.
- This sandwich works well as a light lunch or can be cut into smaller pieces for appetizers.
