Dive into the world of homemade pizzas with this Caprese Pizza recipe, baked to perfection in your own oven. This pizza marries the creamy texture of fresh mozzarella with the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the aromatic touch of basil, creating a mouthwatering meal that's both simple and sophisticated.
Caprese Pizza transforms the beloved Caprese salad into a warm, bubbly, and utterly irresistible pizza that's sure to gather everyone around the table.
It’s like summer on a plate, but honestly, who's keeping track of seasons when it tastes this good year-round?
Today, I'm sharing my go-to recipe for Caprese Pizza, a dish that has become a family favorite and a surefire hit for casual get-togethers.
Join me as we explore step-by-step how to craft this classic mozzarella and basil pizza at home, turning your kitchen into a slice of pizza paradise!
Ingredients
- Grape Tomatoes, Halved: If you can't find grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes make a great substitute! You could also use roma tomatoes if you like.
- Garlic, Sliced: Adding sliced garlic brings a subtle sharpness that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. Feel free to omit if you aren't a fan.
- Avocado Oil: Olive oil is a fantastic alternative, offering a more traditional Italian flavor.
- Pizza Dough, Gluten-Free or Regular: Whether you're avoiding gluten or love the classic crust, the choice of dough can make or break your pizza experience. There are excellent store-bought options for both, or you can make homemade pizza dough.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Not a fan of spice? Feel free to reduce the amount or skip it altogether.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: If you're looking for something a bit different, try burrata for an even creamier texture, or a dairy-free mozzarella if you're catering to vegan preferences.
- Balsamic Glaze: If you don't have balsamic glaze on hand, you can reduce balsamic vinegar to make your own.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: No fresh basil? A sprinkle of dried basil can work in a pinch, but try to opt for fresh whenever possible for the best flavor in this caprese pizza recipe.
Step by Step
- Preheat oven to 420 degrees and prepare a pizza pan with parchment paper. You can also use a pizza stone if you have one. (But the pizza pan will work better if you are using a gluten-free dough, since it is harder to transfer to the oven in my experience.)
- Mix grape tomatoes and garlic with 1 tablespoon avocado oil, then spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes begin to wilt.
- On a lightly floured parchment, roll out your room temperature pizza dough. Flip dough onto the prepped pizza pan. Crimp edges and prick the center with a fork. Bake for 10 minutes.
- After baking, brush the pre-baked dough with remaining avocado oil, ensuring coverage to the edges. Arrange roasted tomatoes and slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese has beautifully melted and the crust turns a lovely golden brown.
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil. If you like, top your mozzarella pizza with flakey salt.
Tips and Tricks
- Dough Options: Whether you're swinging by your local pizzeria to snag some of their famous dough or using the trusty Trader Joe’s brand, the base of your Caprese pizza matters. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making your own? You can use my bread machine pizza dough or gluten-free pizza dough.
- Tomato Talk: Roasting your grape tomatoes beforehand might seem like an extra step, but it’s a game-changer. That slight caramelization brings out a sweetness that raw tomatoes just can’t match.
- Drizzle to Sizzle: The balsamic glaze is the finishing touch that takes your pizza from good to gourmet. Don’t be tempted to substitute it with plain balsamic vinegar; the glaze’s syrupy consistency and concentrated flavor are what make the flavors in this balsamic glaze pizza pop.
- Mix it Up: If you like, pesto is a nice addition to this pizza. Simply spread it on the para-baked dough before the remaining toppings.
More Pizza Love 🍕
- Bread Machine Pizza Dough: Just add the ingredients, press start, and get ready for the magic to happen. Pizza crusts don't get any easier!
- Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: No gluten? No problem! This Gluten-Free Pizza Dough recipe ensures everyone at the table can enjoy pizza night without worry.
- Feta Pizza: Taking a detour from the traditional, my Feta Pizza recipe combines creamy feta with sun-dried tomatoes and olives, creating a Greek-inspired masterpiece that’s a hit at every family gathering.
- California Club Pizza: Imagine if your favorite sandwich and pizza had a delicious baby – that’s what my California Club Pizza is. Topped with avocado, bacon, and a drizzle of ranch, it’s a West Coast twist that brings the sunshine to your dinner table.
Caprese Pizza
Dive into the world of homemade pizzas with this Caprese Pizza recipe, baked to perfection in your own oven. This pizza marries the creamy texture of fresh mozzarella with the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the aromatic touch of basil, creating a mouthwatering meal that's both simple and sophisticated.
Servings: 6
Calories: 314kcal
Ingredients
- 12 ounces grape tomatoes halved
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 ½ tablespoons avocado oil divided
- 1 pound pizza dough gluten free if desired
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
- ¼ cup fresh basil sliced thin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 420 degrees. Line a pizza pan with parchment paper.
- Toss grape tomatoes and garlic with 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cook for 30 minutes, until tomatoes start to wilt. Remove from oven.
- Roll dough out on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Turn the parchment paper over onto the prepared pizza pan. Crimp the edges with your hand and then prick the center several times with a fork. Bake for 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Brush dough with oil, covering all the way to the edges. Top with tomatoes and cheese. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper.
- Bake for 16 minutes, until the cheese, is melted and the crust is golden brown. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with basil.
Nutrition
Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 867mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 8.4mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Wendy Polisi says
This is a great gf crust, but if you aren't gluten free you could easily make it on a regular crust. Gluten Free flours can get expensive!
Wendy Polisi says
Thanks, hope you enjoy it!
Wendy Polisi says
It is such a lifesaver, isn't it?
Rose Sahetapy says
I like your concept to keep pizza dough in freeze, so at a time of need you just take it out and make a pizza. The using of balsamic glaze is the winner to me. Delicious pizza and good wine, a great combination.
Wendy Polisi says
I know - I'm not sure the combination gets any better! Thanks for stopping by Rose.
Kaaren Allyn says
I am looking for a corn free gluten free crust. Do you have one?