Transport your taste buds to the Isle of Capri with this simple, delicious pizza based on the classic salad.
The first time I tried anything “caprese-style” was at a friend’s party, where she served caprese skewers. I love cheese and veggies, so I thought I’d give them a shot. I didn’t realize that I’d find my new favorite app and a new combo of flavors that I’d go on to use on anything and everything. A good caprese salad is fabulous, of course, but caprese sandwiches, pasta, and pizza—they all win the day in my book!
If you’re not totally sure what caprese means, it’s just the term for a specific combination of ingredients: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Most folks also top this flavor combo with balsamic vinegar or dressing to finish it off. And, yes, caprese is a classic Italian salad, and the pizza’s an Italian spin-off of the much-loved salad. The tangy balsamic drizzle, sweet tomatoes, milky mozzarella, and the basil’s earthy tones work together to create a distinctive, unique, and fresh aroma as well as a delicious taste profile.
Where did caprese come from?
Although the true origin is not definitive, picture the world post-World War I. Now, drift to an Italian island and the home of a patriotic mason who wanted to create a tribute dish to his nation. He thought about the colors of his favorite foods and combined the red of the tomato, the green of the basil, and the white of the mozzarella into his dish, giving us the Caprese salad.
The simple, yet delectable salad was well-received but didn’t really catch on widely. That is, until the 1950s, when the exiled King Farouk of Egypt, while visiting Capri, asked for a light afternoon snack. He was served a caprese sandwich. Off it roared, into the mainstream culture of Capri and became a staple of the area. Eventually, the traditional mozzarella was switched out for the now-preferred buffalo mozzarella, and, well, as they say, the rest is history.
How do I store my leftovers?
Let the pizza cool completely, up to 2 hours, and then place it into an airtight container or zipper seal bag. You can also separate the slices with wax or parchment paper to keep the pieces from sticking to each other. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze any leftovers. Just wrap up each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 10 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serving suggestions
What goes best with pizza? While my American palate calls for soda pop and a salad, there are tons of great choices I like to serve with my caprese pizza. For easy sides, think Spinach And Mushrooms, Steamed Brussels Sprouts, Orange-Glazed Carrots, or some Watermelon Fruit Salad. If you’re looking for some nice cocktail pairings, consider a Hurricane Drink or Blue Hawaiian Drink for some sweet vibes to complement this savory dish. Or, pour a pitcher of Strawberry Lemonade or an Orange Julius for a refreshing sip.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pizza dough fresh or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 2 large ripe Roma tomatoes sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F. If using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for better rising.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet. Brush the dough evenly with olive oil.
- Layer the mozzarella slices evenly over the dough, and then add tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with torn fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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