Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza – Clara quick dinners

Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza brings all the fresh, vibrant flavors of a Caprese salad to a crispy, golden pizza crust, baked to perfection in a sheet pan. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this simple yet elegant pizza is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with store-bought dough
• Crispy, golden crust thanks to sheet pan baking
• Fresh ingredients make it light yet satisfying
• Great for serving a crowd or cutting into appetizer-sized squares
• Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Olive oil
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Stretch the dough to fit your sheet pan. Press into the corners and brush with olive oil.
3. Bake the dough for 8–10 minutes until just starting to turn golden (this prevents sogginess from the toppings).
4. Add toppings: Layer sliced mozzarella and halved tomatoes evenly across the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
6. Remove and garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15–18 minutes
• Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Top with sliced prosciutto or grilled chicken after baking
• Cheese options: Try burrata, goat cheese, or a mozzarella-provolone blend
• Veggie boost: Add arugula, red onions, or roasted peppers after baking
• Spicy touch: Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 1 month
• Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven or toaster oven until the crust is crisp and cheese is bubbly

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes! Store-bought fresh or refrigerated pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe.

What kind of tomatoes are best?

Cherry, grape, or baby heirloom tomatoes are all great. They’re juicy and won’t make the crust soggy if halved.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough to suit your needs.

Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?

You can reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey or sugar on the stove until thickened.

Should I pre-bake the crust?

Yes, baking the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings helps keep the crust crisp.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, use vegan mozzarella and skip the balsamic glaze if it contains honey.

Can I add garlic or herbs?

Definitely! Brush the crust with garlic oil or sprinkle with Italian herbs before baking.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Cut into squares or strips for easy sharing—great as an appetizer or main dish.

Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time?

You can pre-bake the crust and prep the toppings ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving.

What sides go well with Caprese pizza?

Serve with a green salad, roasted veggies, or even a bowl of tomato soup for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With its crisp crust, creamy cheese, and bursts of fresh tomato and basil, it brings the taste of summer to your table any time of year. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party slice, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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