Warm Caprese Delight Pizza
Elevate your pizza night with this delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors. The Warm Caprese Delight Pizza combines the timeless elements of a traditional Margherita with the fresh, vibrant tastes of an Insalata Caprese. Imagine biting into a crispy crust topped with a gooey layer of mozzarella cheese, ripe heirloom tomatoes bursting with flavor, and fragrant basil leaves all drizzled with a fruity olive oil and balsamic dressing. This pizza not only satisfies your cravings but also showcases the beauty of seasonal ingredients, making every slice a celebration of summer bounty. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a show-stopper!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Prepared pizza crust
1 (Use a 12-inch uncooked crust, not prebaked.)
Olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (For brushing on the crust.)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced.)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (For sprinkling on the crust.)
Heirloom tomatoes
1 lb (Chopped, or use 1 lb of heirloom cherry tomatoes halved.)
Large basil leaves
6-8 leaves (Sliced into thin shreds (chiffonade).)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (For dressing the tomato mixture.)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (For drizzling.)
Sea salt
to taste (For seasoning.)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (For seasoning.)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Sliced into rounds.)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped heirloom tomatoes, chiffonade basil leaves, 1/4 cup olive oil, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper. Toss gently to coat and set aside to marinate while you prepare the pizza crust.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a pizza pan and spread the uncooked pizza dough to form a 12-inch round.
3
In a small bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic. Brush this garlic-infused olive oil mixture evenly over the prepared pizza crust.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until it is just turning golden and slightly crispy.
5
Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
6
Using a slotted spoon, lift the tomato-basil mixture out of the bowl and spread it evenly over the shredded mozzarella, allowing some of the tomatoes to sit on top.
7
Next, layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top of the tomato mixture.
8
Drizzle the reserved olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the entire assembly, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
9
Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the fresh mozzarella is melty and develops golden brown spots.
10
Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a slice of summer bliss!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Warm Caprese Delight Pizza?
It is a fusion dish that combines the classic flavors of a traditional Margherita pizza with the fresh, vibrant elements of an Insalata Caprese.
What size should the pizza crust be for this recipe?
The recipe calls for an uncooked pizza dough spread to form a 12-inch round.
Should I use a prebaked pizza crust?
No, the recipe specifically instructs to use uncooked pizza dough for the best results.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How many types of cheese are used on this pizza?
This pizza uses two types of cheese: one cup of shredded mozzarella and eight ounces of fresh mozzarella sliced into rounds.
How should the heirloom tomatoes be prepared?
The heirloom tomatoes should be chopped, or you can use one pound of heirloom cherry tomatoes halved.
What is the first step in preparing the toppings?
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, chiffonade basil, olive oil, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper and let them marinate.
What does chiffonade mean for the basil?
Chiffonade is a technique where the basil leaves are sliced into thin, delicate shreds.
How is the garlic used in this recipe?
One minced garlic clove is mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and brushed evenly over the uncooked pizza crust.
Why is the crust baked by itself first?
The crust is baked for 10 minutes initially to ensure it becomes golden and slightly crispy before any wet toppings are added.
When is the shredded mozzarella added to the pizza?
The shredded mozzarella is sprinkled over the crust after the initial 10-minute baking period.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy from the tomatoes?
The recipe suggests using a slotted spoon to lift the tomato-basil mixture out of the marinade bowl before spreading it on the pizza.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for drizzling over the assembly.
What is the final baking time once the pizza is assembled?
The assembled pizza should bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.
How do I know when the pizza is perfectly baked?
The pizza is done when the fresh mozzarella has melted and developed golden brown spots.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large heirloom tomatoes?
Yes, one pound of halved heirloom cherry tomatoes is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
Is it necessary to grease the pizza pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the pizza pan before spreading the dough to prevent sticking.
What type of oil is used for the tomato marinade?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil to dress the tomato and basil mixture.
What seasonings are recommended for the tomatoes?
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper are used to season the tomato mixture to taste.
How much fresh mozzarella is required for the topping?
You will need eight ounces of fresh mozzarella sliced into rounds.
Should the pizza be served immediately?
The recipe recommends letting the pizza cool slightly after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving it warm.
What makes this a 'delight' pizza?
It is described as a celebration of summer bounty, combining creamy mozzarella with flavorful heirloom tomatoes and balsamic dressing.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
While fresh basil is key to the Caprese flavor, you could use dried in a pinch, though the taste and texture will differ significantly.
When do I drizzle the balsamic dressing?
The reserved olive oil and balsamic dressing are drizzled over the pizza right before the final 10-12 minute bake.
How many basil leaves are used?
The recipe uses 6 to 8 large basil leaves.
What is the total estimated baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 20 to 22 minutes, excluding prep time.
Is the garlic cooked before being brushed on the crust?
No, the minced garlic is mixed with raw olive oil and then cooks while the crust is in the oven.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a show-stopper that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
What kind of salt should be used?
The recipe specifically recommends using sea salt for the tomato marinade.
How many people does this pizza serve?
Based on a standard 12-inch pizza size, it typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on appetite.