Oh, the joy of a Caprese pizza—it’s like a culinary love letter to summer, even when the skies are gray and the air is crisp. Imagine the harmony of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes, each bite a tantalizing symphony that transports you to a sunlit Italian piazza. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself making this delightfully easy recipe over and over, just because it makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. To make the balsamic glaze, combine ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Place four mini naan pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pre-bake the naan in the oven for 5 minutes to warm them. Optionally, brush the naan with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Prepare your toppings by slicing two Roma tomatoes into eight slices each and shredding 4 ounces of mozzarella cheese. Thinly slice four fresh basil leaves and set aside.
- Once the naan is pre-baked, top each piece with four tomato slices and a quarter of the shredded mozzarella. Add a little more mozzarella on top of the tomatoes if desired.
- Place the topped naan back in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to bubble. Ensure the cheese doesn’t brown to maintain a fresh, light appearance.
- Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on each pizza. Drizzle the prepared balsamic glaze over the top and finish with the freshly sliced basil. Enjoy your homemade Caprese pizzas!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 mini naan
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 4 ounces mozzarella, shredded
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 940kcal | Carbohydrates: 112g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 36g | Sodium: 1640mg | Fiber: 4g
FAQ
- What is Caprese Pizza?
- Caprese Pizza is inspired by the classic Caprese Salad, featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It is often topped with a balsamic glaze for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Is fresh basil necessary for Caprese Pizza?
- Fresh basil significantly enhances the flavor of Caprese Pizza. While you can use dried basil, the taste will be noticeably different. If fresh basil is unavailable, the pizza is still enjoyable with the other ingredients.
- Can I make a full-sized Caprese Pizza instead of individual ones?
- Absolutely! A full-sized Caprese Pizza can be made using your preferred pizza dough. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as larger pizzas will take longer. Consider par-baking the crust before adding toppings to prevent over-browning the mozzarella.
- What sides go well with Caprese Pizza?
- Keep it light and fresh with a simple side salad featuring delicate greens and a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread also pairs nicely with Caprese Pizza.
- What is the process for making balsamic glaze?
- To make balsamic glaze, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then simmer until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool before drizzling over the pizza.
Tips
- For a more flavorful crust, consider brushing your naan with olive oil and sprinkling a bit of garlic powder before pre-baking.
- To achieve the perfect balsamic glaze, simmer the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar mixture until it reduces by half, which will take about 10 minutes. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute with dried basil, but be aware that the taste will be significantly different. Fresh basil offers a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
- To maintain the fresh and light essence of the Caprese pizza, avoid letting the mozzarella cheese brown. Aim for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but not overly browned.
Equipment
- Enamelware Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Chef’s Knife
- Small Saucepot
