By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 27, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Caprese Pizza is a classic Italian dish that combines delicious flavours. It is an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in just minutes and makes for a great dinner or lunch option. The classic Italian dish can be served hot or cold, making it suitable for all seasons.
This delicious caprese pizza can be customized according to your taste. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this pizza is sure to be a hit! So let’s get started and learn how to make Caprese Pizza with ease.
What is Caprese Pizza?
Caprese Pizza is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavours of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It is often served as an appetizer or main course due to its delicious combination of flavours.
This dish originated in Naples, Italy and has been popularized worldwide. The word “Caprese” comes from the Italian phrase “insalata caprese”, which literally translates to salad of Capri.
The traditional Italian dish is made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil arranged in a circular pattern on top of crusty pizza dough.
It is then topped with olive oil and sometimes, balsamic glaze for added flavour. This quick and easy dish can be served as a meal or appetizer and will be sure to please any crowd.
What does it taste like?
Caprese Pizza has a unique and flavourful taste that can only be described as the perfect combination of fresh and savoury flavours. The tomatoes provide a bright, sweet flavour to the dish while the cheese adds a creamy texture.
The garlic olive oil spread adds a nutty flavour to it while the basil pesto provides sweetness and depth of flavour. Lastly, the balsamic glaze adds a tangy and sweet flavour to complete the dish.
The combination of these flavours makes Caprese Pizza an irresistible meal that is sure to please any crowd!
How did I first get introduced to Caprese Pizza?
I first got introduced to Caprese Pizza when I was visiting Italy. It was love at first sight! I remember walking through the streets of Naples and being greeted by its delicious smell.
Of course, it had to be Caprese Pizza! The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and olive oil spread is something that cannot be replicated.
I was instantly drawn to it and decided to learn how to make it myself. I asked around and found a few local pizzerias that allowed me to watch them prepare the dish. The process was surprisingly easy, but the taste was out of this world!
I knew that I had to bring this recipe back home with me so I jotted down the ingredients and instructions. When I returned, I was eager to try my hand at making Caprese Pizza. And it turned out just as delicious as in Italy!
Since then, Caprese Pizza has become a staple in my home. I love being able to recreate a classic Italian dish with ease and share it with my family and friends. It’s also an amazing way to show off my Italian cooking skills!
Caprese Pizza is definitely a dish that I will continue making for years to come. It has become a memorable experience that ties me back to Italy, where it all started.
Enjoying this delicious dish never fails to bring a smile to my face and fill my home with the comforting aroma of Italy. It’s truly a dish that will always have a special place in my heart.
How to make Caprese Pizza?
Making Caprese Pizza does not necessarily require a lot of effort. With the simple ingredients and steps that will be outlined in this guide, you can create your own delicious pizza at home with ease!
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Ingredients
- Garlic powder: this adds a subtle nutty flavour to the dish
- Salt: this helps bring out the flavours of all the ingredients
- Oregano: a herb with a sharp, fruity and slightly bitter taste that complements many dishes
- Olive oil: for adding richness and depth of flavour to any dish
- Tomatoes: rich in vitamins A and C, this adds a bright and vibrant flavour to the pizza
- Mozzarella cheese: mild in flavour with a soft texture, mozzarella cheese melts easily and provides a creamy texture
- Basil pesto: adds sweetness and depth of flavour to the dish
- Basil leaves: for adding a herby aroma and taste to the pizza
- Balsamic glaze: a sweet and tangy condiment that adds depth of flavour to any dish
Step-by-step instruction
Step 1
Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F.
Step 2
Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into the desired shape with a rolling pin.
Step 3
Mix garlic powder, salt and oregano in a small bowl and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to make the garlic olive oil spread. Spread the mixture on top of the prepared dough.
Step 4
Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella slices over the spread and sprinkle basil pesto over the top. Transfer it onto a greased baking sheet or pizza pan. Place the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top before serving the pizza.
Tips
- Make sure to preheat the oven before baking the pizza.
- Use a generous amount of olive oil spread for a richer flavour.
- You can add other vegetables to your pizza such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, you can use regular balsamic vinegar but reduce the quantity.
- For a crispier pizza, bake it for a few minutes longer.
- Let the pizza cool down before slicing and serving.
Caprese Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Papaya Nectar
- 4 Cups of Water
- 4 Tropical Green Tea Bags
- 1/4 cup Honeydew Melon Syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F.
- Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into the desired shape with a rolling pin.
- Mix garlic powder, salt and oregano in a small bowl and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to make the garlic olive oil spread. Spread the mixture on top of the prepared dough.
- Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella slices over the spread and sprinkle basil pesto over the top. Transfer it onto a greased baking sheet or pizza pan. Place the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top before serving the pizza.
Notes
- Make sure to preheat the oven before baking the pizza.
- Use a generous amount of olive oil spread for a richer flavour.
- You can add other vegetables to your pizza such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, you can use regular balsamic vinegar but reduce the quantity.
- For a crispier pizza, bake it for a few minutes longer.
- Let the pizza cool down before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories 348 kcal
fat 18g,
saturated fat 7g
cholesterol 28mg,
sodium 1054mg,
carbohydrate 34g,
fibre 3g,
sugar 4g,
protein 13g.
What to serve with Caprese Pizza?
Caprese Pizza can be served as a meal or appetizer and is best enjoyed with a side of refreshing salad. A good option would be an Italian-style salad made with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and feta cheese topped with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
You can also choose to serve this pizza alongside some garlic bread. The garlic olive oil spread used in the pizza would go perfectly with a freshly roasted batch of garlic bread, making for an even more flavourful meal.
Alternatively, you could also pair it with a glass of white wine or your favourite craft beer for added indulgence.
How to store leftover Caprese Pizza?
Leftover Caprese Pizza can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it is best to transfer slices of pizza onto a baking sheet and bake at 200°C/400°F for 10 minutes.
This will help restore the crispiness of the pizza crust while keeping its original flavours intact. It is not recommended to freeze leftover Caprese Pizza as freezing can cause the texture of the pizza dough to be altered.
Additionally, frozen mozzarella cheese will lose its creamy texture once thawed. For best results, consume any leftovers within a few days.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely enjoy Caprese Pizza. As long as the dish is cooked thoroughly and does not contain raw or undercooked ingredients, it should be perfectly safe for those who are pregnant.
It is important to note that while this dish may taste delicious, pregnant women still need to ensure they are receiving all essential nutrients from a balanced diet. So make sure to eat this dish in moderation and enjoy it as a part of a healthy diet!
FAQs
Is this good for a weight loss diet?
Yes, Caprese Pizza can be included as part of a weight loss diet. The dish is low in fat and contains various healthful ingredients such as tomatoes, which are rich in vitamins A and C. However, it should not be eaten exclusively and should always be enjoyed in moderation. For best results, pair this pizza with a light side salad or vegetable side dish.
Do I need to use pre-made pizza dough?
No, you do not need to use pre-made pizza dough. You can easily make your own homemade pizza dough using a few simple ingredients such as flour, yeast, olive oil and warm water. Feel free to add in herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavour!
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta cheese. However, it is important to note that different cheeses will have varying levels of moisture and fat content. This could potentially affect the texture and cooking time of your pizza so be sure to adjust accordingly.
Wrapping Up
I hope this guide has helped you learn how to make your own delicious Caprese Pizza at home. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have an Italian-style pizza ready for the whole family to enjoy! For even more flavourful recipes, be sure to check out our other recipe articles.
Share this article with your friends and family so they can learn how to make Caprese Pizza at home too! Thanks for reading.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
