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Caprese Pizza recipe

Fresh Caprese Pizza with Mozzarella and Basil

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
A deliciously fresh take on pizza, this Caprese Pizza combines the classic flavors of mozzarella, tomato, and basil on a homemade crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
rise time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 pizza stone preheated
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 large bowl for mixing dough

Ingredients
  

Pizza Dough

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm water

Toppings

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 3 ripe tomatoes sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • While the dough rises, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes. Drain mozzarella slices on paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Assembly

  • Preheat the oven to 475°F with a pizza stone inside.
  • Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a round using a rolling pin, then place on a floured pizza peel.
  • Brush each dough round with olive oil, then layer with mozzarella and tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper.

Baking

  • Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven, add fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Serving and Storage

  • Slice and serve the pizza hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust. Ingredient Substitutions: Try buffalo mozzarella for a richer flavor. How to Serve: Pair with a light salad or a glass of Pinot Grigio. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.
Keyword Caprese Pizza, Italian pizza, Pizza Caprese