Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping summer dinner, look no further than Grilled Caprese Pizza. This recipe brings together everything you love about a classic Caprese salad — creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil — and lays it all atop a crisp, smoky, golden pizza crust fresh off the grill. Each bite is bursting with color and vibrant Italian flavor, enhanced with a tangy balsamic glaze drizzle. Whether you’re a pizza lover, a Caprese fanatic, or simply seeking a reason to fire up the grill, this is comfort food at its finest.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grilled Caprese Pizza is how it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Every element is essential, contributing freshness, depth, and fantastic texture — don’t be tempted to skip or swap unless absolutely necessary!

• Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation of your pizza; use homemade or a quality store-bought option for best results.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Keeps the crust tender yet crisp, and boosts flavor with subtle fruitiness.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds irresistible aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with grilled dough.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese (2 cups, sliced): Melts into gooey, creamy puddles for that classic Caprese richness.
• Medium tomatoes (2, sliced): Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the juiciest flavor and best texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances everything and draws out flavors from both the cheese and tomatoes.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat for balance.
• Fresh basil leaves (½ cup): Tear or scatter just before serving for a burst of color and herby brightness.
• Balsamic glaze (2 tablespoons): This tangy-sweet drizzle is the secret to a pizzeria-worthy finish.

How to Make Grilled Caprese Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Dough

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400 degrees Fahrenheit if yours has a temperature gauge. Meanwhile, roll your pizza dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches round — rustic edges encouraged! This is the perfect time to relax into the process and anticipate all the deliciousness ahead.

Step 2: Start the Crust

Brush one side of the dough generously with olive oil. This step keeps the dough from sticking and sets you up for those coveted grill marks. Carefully lay the oiled side down on the grill grates. Close the lid and let the dough cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until you see bubbles forming and dark golden lines appearing underneath. It will smell amazing already.

Step 3: Flip and Layer

Now brush the top (uncooked) side of the dough with more olive oil, then quickly flip the crust. Move swiftly: brush again with just a touch more oil and scatter the minced garlic evenly across the crust, letting the residual heat release all its aroma. Layer on the mozzarella and tomato slices in a colorful pattern, then season with salt and pepper. Try to work efficiently so the crust doesn’t overcook before your toppings go down.

Step 4: Finish Grilling

Replace the grill lid and cook your pizza for another 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a careful eye on things: you want the cheese to melt into luscious pools and the bottom of your crust to crisp up without burning. Grilled Caprese Pizza is all about that interplay of smoky edges and fresh, gooey toppings — so aim for goldilocks perfection.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Once your pizza is done, slide it off the grill onto a cutting board. Immediately scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top, letting their warmth-release fragrance fill the air. Drizzle liberally with balsamic glaze before slicing and serving — this last touch transforms every bite into something truly memorable.

How to Serve Grilled Caprese Pizza

Garnishes

To finish off your Grilled Caprese Pizza, I love to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a crack of fresh black pepper, and perhaps a little extra drizzle of olive oil for shine. Scatter on a few more small basil leaves right before serving for that irresistible fresh green pop.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a platter of grilled vegetables for a summery touch. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider serving alongside antipasto skewers or a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade. The fresh flavors work with just about anything light and seasonal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the pizza into small rectangular strips and pass them as finger food at your next get-together. Want to channel Italy? Serve Grilled Caprese Pizza on a large wooden board, topped with extra basil and a cluster of cherry tomatoes, for true trattoria style. You can even let guests customize their own pizzas with a toppings bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Grilled Caprese Pizza (lucky you!), let slices cool completely, then layer them with parchment or wax paper in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days; the crust will stay surprisingly crisp.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pizza in a pinch. Place cooled slices on a baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. The pizza will keep for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To restore the crispiness of your Grilled Caprese Pizza, reheat slices in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 8 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible — the grill-kissed crust deserves better! A quick stint in a hot skillet also works in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Caprese Pizza without a grill?

Absolutely! Use a grill pan on your stove or bake the pizza on the highest oven temperature with a pizza stone or baking sheet. You may miss a touch of smoky flavor, but the basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes will still shine.

What kind of pizza dough works best?

Homemade dough gives the best flavor, but a good-quality store-bought dough saves time and works beautifully. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling so it’s easy to stretch and doesn’t bounce back.

Should I seed the tomatoes?

For most medium tomatoes, you don’t need to seed them, but if yours are particularly juicy, scooping out some seeds can prevent a soggy crust. Roma or heirloom varieties hold up the best for Grilled Caprese Pizza.

Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! While the simplicity of Grilled Caprese Pizza is part of its charm, you can absolutely add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or even a handful of arugula after grilling for extra flavor and protein.

How can I make balsamic glaze at home?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, simmer regular balsamic vinegar with a spoonful of honey or brown sugar until thick and syrupy. It’s easy, fast, and elevates your pizza just like the store-bought version.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, Grilled Caprese Pizza is pure joy on a plate. Give it a try; the combination of smoky crust, melty cheese, ripe tomatoes, and sweet basil will have you coming back for seconds — and maybe even thirds!

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