I just made the most incredible sandwich, and I had to share it with you immediately. The combination of smoky grilled vegetables, creamy burrata, and a zesty lemon-thyme honey mustard is an absolute game-changer. It transforms a simple lunch into a gourmet experience that feels both indulgent and fresh.
This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of summer flavors packed between two perfect slices of ciabatta. I promise, once you try this, it will become a staple in your recipe collection. You might also enjoy trying something hearty like chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe for a comforting dinner option.
Ingredients
This recipe brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a sandwich that is bursting with flavor. For the best results, always opt for the freshest produce and herbs you can find.
For the Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: This forms the smooth, rich base of your dressing. A good quality oil makes a noticeable difference.
- 3 tbsp honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the mustard and lemon.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor that is the heart of any good honey mustard.
- Juice from one lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the entire dressing with a zesty kick.
- 2 tbsp champagne or apple cider vinegar: Adds a layer of acidity that cuts through the richness of the oil and cheese.
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped: Use fresh basil for its sweet, aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped: This herb adds a subtle earthy and minty note that complements the lemon and honey beautifully.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, grated: Grating the garlic allows its flavor to infuse throughout the dressing more evenly than chopping.
- Kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: Season to your taste to enhance all the flavors.
For the Sandwich:
- 2 zucchini or yellow squash, sliced lengthwise: Slicing them lengthwise makes them easier to grill and layer in the sandwich.
- 2 bell peppers, quartered: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers will add a sweet, smoky flavor when grilled.
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise: Ciabatta’s sturdy crust and soft interior hold up well to the juicy ingredients.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Adds a mild, salty, and creamy element that melts beautifully.
- 8-ounce burrata cheese: This is the star of the show. The creamy interior of the burrata creates a luxurious texture.
- 1 cup baby spinach: Provides a fresh, slightly crisp texture and a boost of nutrients.
- ½ cup fresh basil or mixed herbs: More fresh herbs layered in the sandwich enhance the overall aromatic flavor.
Note: The listed ingredients will make approximately 6 servings.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few variations to try based on your dietary needs or what you have on hand.
- Dairy-Free: To make this sandwich dairy-free, simply substitute the provolone and burrata with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. There are many great vegan provolone slices and creamy vegan mozzarella-style cheeses available that work well.
- Sugar-Free: If you are avoiding sugar, you can replace the honey in the dressing with a sugar-free alternative like maple-flavored syrup or a few drops of liquid stevia. Adjust the amount to match your desired sweetness level.
- Flavor-Enhancing Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Grilled eggplant, mushrooms, or red onions would be delicious additions. You could also add a layer of pesto or a balsamic glaze for an extra pop of flavor. For a bit of heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños.
Cooking Time
This gourmet sandwich comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for a weekday lunch or a relaxed weekend meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
You won’t need any fancy gadgets to assemble this masterpiece. Here is the basic equipment required.
- Grill or Grill Pan: Used to cook the vegetables and toast the bread, giving them a smoky flavor and char marks.
- Large Bowl: For tossing the vegetables with the dressing before grilling.
- Whisk: To combine the dressing ingredients until they are smooth and emulsified.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing the vegetables, bread, and herbs.
- Tongs: Helpful for flipping the vegetables and bread on the hot grill.
How to Make Grilled Vegetable Burrata Sandwich with Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard
This recipe is straightforward and involves just a few key stages. Follow these steps to build the perfect sandwich.
Prepare the Dressing
First, create the flavorful dressing that will tie everything together. In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and your choice of vinegar. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
Add the Herbs and Seasoning
Once the base of the dressing is smooth, stir in the chopped fresh basil, thyme, and grated garlic. Add a pinch of kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything again, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Marinate the Vegetables
Next, prepare your vegetables. Place the sliced zucchini or yellow squash and the quartered bell peppers into a large bowl. Pour about half of the prepared dressing over them and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
Let the Flavors Mingle
Allow the vegetables to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the zucchini and peppers to absorb the delicious flavors of the lemon-thyme honey mustard. This infusion will make the grilled veggies even more delicious.
Grill the Bread and Veggies
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over high heat. Lightly brush the cut sides of the ciabatta loaf with olive oil. Place the bread cut-side down on the grill for about 3-5 minutes, or until you see faint grill marks.
Cook Until Tender
At the same time, place the marinated vegetables on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are tender and have a nice char. Once done, remove both the bread and the vegetables from the heat.
Assemble the Sandwich
Now for the fun part: building your sandwich. Take the bottom half of the grilled ciabatta and drizzle it with a few spoonfuls of the remaining dressing. This adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor right from the base.
Layer the Ingredients
Begin layering your ingredients on the bread. Start with the grilled peppers and zucchini, followed by the fresh baby spinach and herbs. Next, tear the burrata and place it over the greens, then add the slices of provolone cheese.
Add the Final Touches
Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the top of all the fillings. This ensures every single bite is packed with that zesty, sweet, and savory flavor. Place the top half of the ciabatta bread on to complete the sandwich, and slice it for serving.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Having made this sandwich a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks to make it even more spectacular.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: When I grill the vegetables, I make sure to lay them in a single layer without overlapping. This allows them to char nicely instead of steaming, which develops a much deeper, smokier flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Cheeses: I find that letting the burrata and provolone sit out for about 20-30 minutes before assembling the sandwich makes a big difference. The cheese is softer and melts into the warm bread and veggies more easily.
- Press the Sandwich: After assembling the sandwich, I sometimes wrap it tightly in foil and place a heavy pan on top for about 10 minutes. This presses everything together, melds the flavors, and makes it easier to slice and eat.
- Toast the Bread Well: I always make sure to get a good toast on the ciabatta. A crispier crust prevents the bread from getting soggy from the dressing and juicy vegetables, maintaining a perfect texture.
How to Serve Grilled Vegetable Burrata Sandwich with Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard
This sandwich is a showstopper on its own, but a thoughtful presentation makes it even more appealing. For a beautiful presentation, slice the large sandwich into individual portions and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a professional touch.
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, a cup of tomato soup, or some crispy potato chips. Serve it warm for the best experience, as the melted cheese and warm vegetables are truly irresistible right off the grill.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for this recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal per serving
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 45-55g
- Fat: Approximately 30-40g
Make Ahead and Storage
This sandwich is a great option for meal prep with a few simple guidelines. Here’s how you can prepare it in advance and store any leftovers.
Make Ahead: The dressing can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vegetables can also be grilled a day ahead and kept in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply assemble the sandwich with fresh bread and cheese.
Storing: If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one day. The bread may soften slightly, but the flavors will continue to meld.
Reheating: While this sandwich is delicious cold, you can reheat it for a warm meal. Place the foil-wrapped sandwich in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this grilled vegetable and burrata sandwich. Here are just a few of them.
- Incredible Flavor Combination: The mix of smoky grilled vegetables, rich and creamy burrata, and the tangy-sweet lemon thyme honey mustard is simply outstanding. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that feels like it came from a high-end café.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick yet impressive meal any day of the week, proving that you don’t need hours to create something special.
- Highly Versatile: You can easily customize this sandwich to your liking. Swap out the vegetables, try different herbs, or use another type of bread. The recipe is a fantastic template for your own creative combinations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This sandwich is elegant enough to serve at a patio lunch with friends but simple enough for a satisfying solo meal. It travels well, making it a great option for picnics or packed lunches.
