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Mini Caprese Pizzas Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Mini Caprese Pizzas Recipe

I just made these Mini Caprese Pizzas, and they were an absolute hit! They are so simple to put together, yet look and taste incredibly impressive. The combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients on a crispy base is simply irresistible.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pre-made pizza dough or mini flatbreads - Using a ready-made base saves a lot of time. Mini flatbreads or even English muffins work great for a sturdy crust.
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced - For the best creamy, melty texture, use fresh mozzarella packed in water and slice it yourself. Avoid pre-shredded, low-moisture types.
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes sliced - Juicy, ripe tomatoes are key. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes have great flavor and aren't overly watery.
  • Fresh basil leaves - This is the heart of Caprese flavor! Use whole leaves for a beautiful look and a fresh aromatic taste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil - A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the crust get golden.
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - This provides a sweet and tangy finish. You can buy a pre-made glaze or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
  • Salt and pepper to taste - Simple seasonings to enhance all the fresh flavors.

Method
 

  1. First things first, get your oven heating up to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. If you happen to have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it can get screaming hot, which will give your mini pizzas an even better base.
  2. Next, it's time to get your pizza bases ready. If you're using pre-made dough, roll it out to your preferred thickness. Then, use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out small circles. If you're using mini flatbreads or another base, you can skip this part and just lay them out.
  3. Now for the fun part! Take each little dough circle or flatbread and start layering the toppings. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on the base, followed by a slice of ripe tomato. Finish by sprinkling a little salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top to season them.
  4. Carefully place your assembled mini pizzas onto a baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, which will help the cheese get bubbly and the crust turn a beautiful golden brown. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Once the cheese is melted and the crust is golden, take the pizzas out of the oven. Let them cool for just a minute before topping them with fresh basil leaves. For the final flourish, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over each pizza right before you serve them.