This Caprese Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic Italian salad, combining the fresh flavors of basil, tomatoes, and vegan mozzarella on a crispy pizza crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is both simple and delicious.
If you're heading to the supermarket, you might need to look for vegan mozzarella, which can usually be found in the dairy-free or specialty cheese section. Fresh basil leaves are typically located in the produce section, often near other fresh herbs. Make sure to check the label on your tomato sauce to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Caprese Pizza Recipe
Pizza dough: The base of your pizza, which can be store-bought or homemade.
Tomato sauce: Provides a rich, tangy flavor as the pizza's base layer.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and freshness to the pizza.
Vegan mozzarella: A dairy-free cheese alternative that melts beautifully.
Basil leaves: Fresh herbs that add a fragrant and flavorful finish.
Olive oil: Used for drizzling to enhance the flavor and crispiness of the crust.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pizza.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a perfectly crispy crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven for about 10 minutes before placing the pizza dough on it. This ensures that the dough starts cooking immediately upon contact, resulting in a better texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pizza dough - Substitute with cauliflower crust: Cauliflower crust is a gluten-free and low-carb alternative that still provides a sturdy base for the pizza.
tomato sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce adds a rich, herby flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes offer a concentrated, sweet-tart flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pizza.
vegan mozzarella - Substitute with cashew cheese: Cashew cheese is creamy and rich, providing a similar texture and flavor to vegan mozzarella.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with arugula: Arugula adds a peppery bite and fresh green flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for drizzling over the pizza.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the taste of the other ingredients.
black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and extra flavor to the pizza.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
- Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pizza for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, reheat in a microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- For a crispier crust, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover Caprese pizza on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the vegan mozzarella is melted.
For a quick reheat, use a skillet on medium heat. Place the pizza slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is gooey.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy and the toppings fresh.
For a microwave option, place a cup of water in the microwave alongside the pizza slice. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. The water helps keep the crust from getting too chewy.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza slice directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Essential for baking the pizza at the required temperature of 450°F (230°C).
Rolling pin: Used to roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
Floured surface: Provides a non-stick area to roll out the pizza dough.
Pizza stone or baking sheet: Provides a surface to bake the pizza on, ensuring even cooking.
Pizza peel or spatula: Helps transfer the pizza to and from the oven.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the tomato sauce and shredded vegan mozzarella accurately.
Knife: Used to halve the cherry tomatoes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the cherry tomatoes.
Spoon or ladle: Used to spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
Small bowl: Used to mix the olive oil, salt, and black pepper if desired.
Pastry brush: Optional, but useful for drizzling olive oil evenly over the pizza.
Cooling rack: Allows the pizza to cool slightly before serving, ensuring a crisp crust.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use pre-made dough: Save time by using store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the pizza toppings to ensure it's ready when you are.
Prep ingredients ahead: Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes and shred the vegan mozzarella in advance.
Use a pizza stone: A pizza stone can help cook the pizza more evenly and quickly.
Batch cook: Make multiple pizzas at once and freeze extras for a quick meal later.
Caprese Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 unit Pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Vegan mozzarella shredded
- 1 handful Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes and shredded vegan mozzarella.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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