Bring the classic Italian caprese salad to your dinner table with these elegant caprese pizzas that showcase the timeless combination of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. These individual-sized pizzas transform simple, high-quality ingredients into a sophisticated meal that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Perfect for entertaining, light dinners, or summer gatherings, these caprese pizzas celebrate the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
What makes these caprese pizzas truly special is their simplicity and focus on ingredient quality. The technique of salting the tomatoes draws out excess moisture, preventing soggy crusts while intensifying the tomato flavor. The garlic-infused olive oil base, combined with freshly grated Parmesan and the finishing touch of basil oil, creates layers of flavor that elevate this pizza beyond ordinary.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons (20ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- 1 ounce (28g) Parmesan cheese, for grating
For the Toppings:
- 3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Begin by slicing the vine-ripened tomatoes into 1/4-inch (6mm) thick rounds. Place the tomato slices on a paper towel-lined cutting board and sprinkle both sides evenly with salt. This crucial step will draw out excess moisture and concentrate the tomato flavor. Let the tomatoes stand for 15 minutes while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Base
While the tomatoes are draining, lightly brush a large rectangular baking stone or rimmed baking sheet with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Remove the refrigerated pizza dough from its packaging and unroll it onto your work surface, allowing it to come to room temperature slightly for easier handling.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Oil
In a small prep bowl, press the garlic clove using a garlic press or finely mince it with a knife. Combine the pressed garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, stirring to create a fragrant garlic oil mixture that will infuse the crust with flavor.
Step 4: Season the Dough
Using a pastry brush or your fingers, evenly brush the garlic oil mixture over the entire surface of the pizza dough. This will create a flavorful base and help prevent the dough from becoming soggy when topped.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Shape
Using a cheese grater fitted with the coarse grating attachment, grate the Parmesan cheese directly over the garlic oil-brushed dough, distributing it evenly. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into three equal strips. Carefully separate the strips on your baking stone, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece to allow for slight expansion during baking.
Step 6: Par-Bake the Crusts
Place the baking stone in the preheated oven and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the bottom of the crusts are light golden brown and the tops are set but not overly browned. The crusts should be firm enough to support the toppings without becoming soggy.
Step 7: Prepare the Finishing Touches
While the crusts are baking, finish preparing your toppings. Finely chop the fresh basil and combine it with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small bowl. This basil oil will be used as a finishing touch. Using paper towels, gently blot the tops of the salted tomato slices to remove any remaining moisture.
Step 8: Prepare the Mozzarella
Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch (6mm) thick rounds, similar in thickness to your tomato slices. If the mozzarella is very wet, you can also blot it gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 9: Assemble and Final Bake
Remove the par-baked crusts from the oven. Working quickly, arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella cheese in overlapping rows on each crust, alternating between tomato and cheese for an attractive presentation. Return the assembled pizzas to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or just until the mozzarella cheese begins to melt and soften.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
Remove the pizzas from the oven and immediately brush the basil oil mixture over the hot pizzas using a silicone basting brush. The heat will release the aromatic oils in the basil, creating an incredibly fragrant finish. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste, then cut each pizza strip into individual serving pieces using a pizza cutter.
Time and Serving Information
Prep Time: 25 minutes (including tomato draining time) Bake Time: 16-17 minutes Total Time: 42 minutes Servings: 6 servings Serving Size: 1/2 pizza strip
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
- Sodium: 685mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Calcium: 245mg
- Iron: 1.8mg
Tips for Perfect Caprese Pizzas
The success of these caprese pizzas depends heavily on ingredient quality and proper technique. Choose vine-ripened tomatoes that are firm but give slightly to gentle pressure. They should have a deep red color and fragrant aroma. Avoid tomatoes that are too soft or overripe, as they will release too much moisture even after salting.
For the mozzarella, seek out high-quality fresh mozzarella, preferably packed in water or whey. Buffalo mozzarella, while more expensive, will provide superior flavor and texture. If your mozzarella seems particularly wet, you can drain it on paper towels for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
The basil should be fresh and aromatic, with bright green leaves free from dark spots or wilting. Add the basil oil only after baking to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color, as cooking basil can cause it to become bitter and lose its bright appearance.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
These caprese pizzas are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with additional ingredients. Consider adding thinly sliced red onion, prosciutto, or arugula for extra flavor and texture. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking can also provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy cheese and fresh tomatoes.
For a more substantial meal, serve these pizzas alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. They also make excellent appetizers when cut into smaller pieces for parties or gatherings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These caprese pizzas are best enjoyed immediately after baking when the cheese is still warm and the crust is at its crispiest. However, leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
The pizza dough can be prepared and shaped up to 2 hours in advance, covered with a damp towel and kept at room temperature. The tomatoes can be salted and drained up to 4 hours ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator.
These elegant caprese pizzas demonstrate how simple, quality ingredients can create an impressive and satisfying meal that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine.