If you love the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad and the irresistible charm of homemade pizza, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of smoky grilled dough, melty mozzarella, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil that makes each bite sing with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for one or impressing friends at a summer cookout, this recipe brings all the best parts of a Caprese salad onto a crisp, golden crust with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully simple but every ingredient plays a crucial role in building those fresh, balanced flavors that make Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe so unforgettable. From the creamy mozzarella to the sweet heirloom tomatoes, each component adds texture, color, and mouthwatering taste.
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, it forms the crispy, chewy base for this pizza.
- Pizza sauce (â…“ cup): Adds a subtle tang and moisture, keeping the pizza saucy but not soggy.
- Whole milk mozzarella (1 ½ cups shredded): Melts beautifully giving that gooey, cheesy layer everyone craves.
- Heirloom tomato (½, thinly sliced): Brings a fresh, sweet juiciness that pairs perfectly with the basil.
- Fresh basil (handful, thinly sliced or hand-torn): Infuses the pizza with aromatic, herbaceous notes for a true Caprese vibe.
- Flour and cornmeal (for dusting): Helps prevent sticking and ensures a crisp bottom when grilling the dough.
How to Make Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your outdoor grill to high heat. It’s important that the grates are clean and hot to create that perfect char and crispness on the pizza dough. A hot grill is the secret to achieving a beautifully textured crust within minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a sturdy 9-inch pizza pan dusted with flour and cornmeal, roll out your dough to fit snugly. Gently stretch and pull the dough so it’s evenly spread but still soft enough to handle. This step lays the groundwork for a crust that’s crisp on the outside but tender inside.
Step 3: Grill the Dough
With care, slide the dough directly onto the grill grates. Close the lid and let it grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, flipping when you see the dough developing golden grill marks. This grilling adds an unbeatable smoky aroma and crunch that’s simply mouthwatering.
Step 4: Assemble Toppings
Once grilled on both sides, lower your grill’s heat to low and bring the dough indoors or into a cooler spot to finish assembling. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously, then layer with thin slices of heirloom tomato. Each topping is layered thoughtfully to keep that fresh Caprese balance harmonious.
Step 5: Finish Grilling
Return the topped pizza to the grill and cook slowly until the cheese melts into beautiful, bubbly goodness and the tomatoes warm through without losing their freshness. Remove from the grill and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil just before slicing. This last step unlocks the full flavor spectrum of the Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a must as a garnish adding a bright green, herbal finish that instantly wakes up every bite. For an extra touch, drizzle a little good quality olive oil or a balsamic glaze. The combination adds shine and a subtle sweetness that complements the grilled crust beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a light green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad topped with shaved Parmesan. These sides provide a crisp, peppery contrast that makes the meal feel balanced and fresh. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices rounds out the experience effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic picnic vibe, serve the pizza sliced on a wooden board with scattered basil leaves and tomato wedges on the side. Or go elegant by plating individual slices with a drizzle of pesto and edible flowers for color and freshness. No matter how you present it, this Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe is a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The freshness of the basil can fade, so add a few fresh leaves when reheating or serving.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze grilled pizza slices wrapped individually in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To preserve the crispy crust and fresh toppings, reheat leftover pizza on a grill or in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy and the tomatoes wilted.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom for this Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While heirloom tomatoes add extra sweetness and vibrant color, any ripe, flavorful tomato will work well to keep that fresh Caprese taste.
Is it necessary to use a grill to make this pizza?
The grill provides a wonderful smoky flavor and crispy texture that’s hard to mimic with an oven, but if you don’t have a grill, you can bake the pizza in a very hot oven on a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet instead.
Can I make this pizza vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the mozzarella for a vegan cheese option or use sliced avocado for creaminess instead. Fresh basil and tomato will keep the spirit of the recipe intact.
What kind of dough should I use?
Store-bought pizza dough works great for convenience, but homemade dough adds an extra layer of love and flavor if you have the time. Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly for even grilling.
How can I prevent the dough from sticking to the grill?
Dust your pizza pan and work surface with flour and cornmeal, preheat the grill until very hot, and oil the grill grates lightly if needed before sliding the dough on. These steps help ensure easy flipping and removal.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe is pure joy on a plate, combining simple, fresh ingredients with the irresistible flavor of grilled dough. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, solo dinners, or anytime you want to impress without fuss. I encourage you to give it a try: once you experience that perfect bite of smoky crust, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and fresh basil, you’ll be hooked just like me.
Print
Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious Grilled Caprese Pizza that combines smoky grilled pizza dough with fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking to enjoy a fresh twist on a classic Italian favorite in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour and cornmeal (for dusting pan)
Toppings
- â…“ cup (123 g) pizza sauce, more if needed
- 1 ½ cups (112 g) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ large heirloom tomato, thinly sliced
- Handful of basil, thinly sliced or hand-torn
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and ready for cooking to prevent sticking and achieve ideal grill marks.
- Prepare the Dough: On a 9-inch pizza pan generously dusted with flour and cornmeal, roll out the pizza dough. Gently stretch and pull it to fit the pan perfectly to ensure an even crust.
- Grill the Dough: Carefully slide the prepared dough onto the hot grill, positioning it centered on the grate. Close the lid and grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Check occasionally to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Assemble Toppings: Once both sides of the dough are grilled, reduce the grill heat to low and transfer the dough inside. Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the grilled dough, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, and arrange the thinly sliced heirloom tomato on top.
- Finish Grilling: Return the assembled pizza back to the grill. Cook until the cheese melts fully and the toppings are heated through. Remove the pizza from the grill, garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a pizza stone or a heavy-duty pizza pan for better heat distribution if preferred.
- If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust the heat carefully to avoid burning the dough while ensuring toppings get cooked.
- Feel free to substitute fresh basil with pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
- Let the dough rest if homemade for at least 30 minutes before rolling for better texture.
