If you’re craving a dish that perfectly fuses the smoky charm of outdoor grilling with the fresh, vibrant flavors of Italy, this Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a crisp yet chewy crust kissed by open flames, topped with rich pizza sauce, creamy mozzarella melting in gooey waves, juicy slices of heirloom tomato, and a generous sprinkle of fragrant basil that brings the whole pie to life. This recipe is quick to pull together, bursting with color and texture, and is an absolute showstopper whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply celebrating a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this grilled twist on the beloved Caprese salad, pizza night will never feel the same again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, quality ingredients are all you need to create a spectacular Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe. Each plays a vital role in balancing flavor and texture so that every bite is as delightful as the last.
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the perfect canvas with a chewy yet crisp base when grilled.
- Pizza sauce (â…“ cup): A tangy, rich tomato sauce adds moisture and depth that ties every topping together.
- Whole milk mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Creamy and melty, it provides that irresistible gooeyness essential to any great pizza.
- Heirloom tomato (½ large, thinly sliced): Bursting with juiciness and vibrant color, thin slices keep the pizza fresh and light.
- Fresh basil (handful, sliced or torn): Aromatic and slightly peppery, it is the signature touch that lifts the dish.
- Flour and cornmeal: For dusting the pan and dough to prevent sticking and give a lovely rustic crunch.
How to Make Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by firing up your outdoor grill to high heat. A hot, clean grill is essential for achieving that perfect char and crispy texture on your pizza dough. The high temperature ensures quick cooking without drying out the crust.
Step 2: Prepare and Shape the Dough
Dust your work surface and a 9-inch pizza pan generously with flour and cornmeal. Roll out your pizza dough, stretching and shaping it gently to fill the pan. Aim for a somewhat rustic look — that slight imperfection will add to its charm once grilled.
Step 3: Grill the Dough
Slide the dough carefully onto the grill grates. Close the lid and grill for about 3-5 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning but welcome those beautiful grill marks that add a smoky nuance to the crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Toppings
Turn the grill down to low and transfer the grilled dough inside or to a cooler spot on the grill. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust, then cover with shredded mozzarella. Lay thin slices of heirloom tomato across the top, setting the stage for that classic Caprese flavor combination.
Step 5: Finish Grilling
Return the pizza to the grill and cook for another 3-5 minutes, just enough time for the cheese to melt and the tomatoes to warm through gently. Once everything looks gooey and inviting, remove the pizza from the heat.
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil and Serve
Immediately sprinkle fresh basil over your hot pizza. The warmth helps release its aroma, creating a fragrant finish. Let the pizza rest for a minute before slicing, then serve up that smokily delicious masterpiece.
How to Serve Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish here, adding herbal brightness and a pop of green. For extra flavor, consider drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving to elevate the taste even further.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds fresh crunch. Marinated olives or grilled vegetables also complement the Mediterranean vibe perfectly, rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of torn basil leaves around for a beautiful, inviting look. For a fun party twist, make a few mini versions with assorted toppings and let guests mix and match slices to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza keeps surprisingly well in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. The grilled crust stays crisp for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a quick slice the next day without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, wrap individual slices tightly in foil and place them inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza slices will maintain great flavor for up to a month. Be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that lovely grilled crust and melty cheese, reheat pizza slices on a hot skillet or directly on the grill for just a minute or two. Alternatively, pop them into a 425°F oven until bubbly. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the crust too much.
FAQs
Can I make this pizza indoors without a grill?
Definitely! A cast-iron skillet or a baking stone inside a 500°F oven works wonders. Just keep a close eye on the pizza to capture the crispiness without overcooking, and you’ll have delicious results even without the smoky grill flavor.
What if I don’t have heirloom tomatoes?
No problem. Any ripe tomato works well here — Roma, vine, or even cherry tomatoes sliced thinly will add juicy sweetness. The key is slicing thin to prevent soggy toppings on your pizza.
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
You can, but fresh mozzarella or shredding your own from a block will melt more smoothly and give you that iconic stretchy texture without the anti-caking additives sometimes found in pre-shredded varieties.
How do I keep the dough from sticking to the grill?
Generously dust your dough and pan with flour and cornmeal, oil the grill grates lightly, and make sure the grill is properly preheated. Allow the crust to firm up on one side before flipping, and you’ll avoid tearing or sticking.
Can I customize the toppings on this Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with its classic simplicity, you can add prosciutto, roasted peppers, or even a drizzle of pesto to personalize it to your taste. Just remember to keep the delicate balance so the fresh flavors still pop.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of smoky grilled dough and the classic, fresh flavors of Caprese in this pizza. This Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe feels like summer on a plate—simple, vibrant, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a pizza lover looking for a new weeknight favorite, this recipe offers an effortless way to impress and indulge. Give it a try, play with your favorite toppings, and savor every bite of this deliciously fresh, grilled delight!
Print
Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 1)
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Caprese Pizza recipe brings together fresh, vibrant flavors with the smoky aroma of the grill. Featuring store-bought or homemade pizza dough, tangy pizza sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, ripe heirloom tomato slices, and fragrant basil, this recipe is a quick, delicious option for a summer main course that captures the essence of a classic Caprese salad in pizza form.
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 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
For Topping:
- Handful of basil, thinly sliced or hand-torn
- Flour and cornmeal (for dusting pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and ready for cooking to achieve that signature char and crispy base.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured and cornmeal-sprinkled 9-inch pizza pan, roll out the pizza dough and gently stretch and pull it to fit the pan, creating a rustic edge.
- Grill the Dough: Carefully slide the prepared dough onto the grill, positioning it centrally. Close the lid and grill for 3-5 minutes on each side, checking often to avoid burning and ensuring grill marks develop properly.
- Assemble Toppings: Once the crust is grilled on both sides, lower the grill to medium-low, bring the dough inside, spread pizza sauce evenly over the top, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, and arrange thin tomato slices on top.
- Finish Grilling: Return the assembled pizza to the grill. Close the lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the toppings warm through. Remove from grill, garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the crust while grilling as grill temperatures can vary greatly and crust can char quickly.
- Use fresh mozzarella and seasonal heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- The pizza dough can be prepared ahead of time or substituted with store-bought dough for convenience.
- For extra flavor, drizzle balsamic glaze on the pizza after grilling.
- Ensure grill grates are clean and oiled well to prevent sticking when grilling the dough.
- Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Rest the pizza for a minute before slicing to let toppings settle and prevent cheese slide-off.
