Slice ciabatta roll horizontally with a serrated knife.
Lightly toast cut sides in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until just golden.
While bread is still warm, drizzle cut sides with extra virgin olive oil.
Layer mozzarella slices evenly across the bottom half of the roll.
Place tomato slices atop the mozzarella, covering the entire surface.
Arrange basil leaves over the tomatoes, slightly overlapping them.
Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Drizzle balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern over the assembled ingredients.
Place the top half of the roll over the fillings, pressing lightly.
Allow sandwich to rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting.
Slice diagonally or straight across into desired portions.
Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
For the best flavor, use room temperature mozzarella and the ripest tomatoes you can find.
Quality ingredients make all the difference in this simple sandwich – use the freshest basil, high-quality olive oil, and artisanal bread when possible.
To prevent sogginess, pat the mozzarella and tomato slices dry with paper towels before assembling.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.