Best Bacon Caprese Sandwich

Ingredients

Basil Garlic Aioli:

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

½ teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon minced garlic

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of salt and pepper

Sandwich:

7 slices Bacon,halved

2 Ciabatta rolls, split and toasted

1 tomato, sliced (heirloom if available)

4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

Basil Garlic Aioli Sauce from above

Preparation

To make Basil Garlic Aioli Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make Bacon Weave: Preheat oven to 375°F and place a baking rack inside of a baking sheet (this will catch the grease). If you don’t have a baking rack, line the baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Start by placing 3 bacon halves side-by-side on the pan (I made 2 weaves above in the picture-so I used 6 pieces total for this step). Then interlace the strips of bacon as one would a lattice top for a pie. You weave under and over to form a square (copy picture above). I used 4 pieces of bacon going the opposite direction, but you can use 3 if you prefer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you want your bacon. Lift off of pan with a spatula onto paper towels.

To assemble Sandwich: On your toasted Ciabatta rolls, spread the Basil Garlic Aioli on each half to your liking and layer the tomato slices, mozzarella slices and bacon weave on top. Enjoy!