Name: Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; Optional: 1–2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; 2–3 Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, sliced; Fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade); Salt & pepper to taste

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If you adore the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad and crave pizza night, then this Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe will be your new best friend. It combines juicy tomatoes, melty fresh and shredded mozzarella, and fragrant basil all baked atop a crispy, golden sheet pan crust. This recipe is effortless enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests, delivering the perfect harmony between freshness and indulgence in every bite. I can promise, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white marbled surface, there are fresh ingredients arranged neatly. In the top left, a small white bowl holds bright red grape tomatoes. Next to it on the right is a roll of pizza crust dough in green packaging. Below, there is a round ball of white mozzarella cheese sitting on a small black plate with white designs. To the right of the cheese, two green basil leaves lay flat on the surface, and more basil leaves are in a small white bowl. Towards the bottom, three ripe red tomatoes are attached to green stems. On the left side, there is a tall green bottle of olive oil, a wooden pepper grinder, and a small white salt dish with a gold spoon inside. Two cloves of garlic are placed in a small white bowl next to a dark balsamic vinegar in another small white bowl. The scene is bright and clean, emphasizing fresh and colorful ingredients, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a bright, balanced flavor profile and a perfect texture contrast — from the crisp crust to the creamy cheese and sweet-tart tomatoes.

1 lb pizza dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for that fresh-baked charm.
1 tbsp olive oil: Brushing the dough adds golden color and a subtle richness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: Provides melty coverage, ensuring every bite is cheesy.
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced: Adds creamy, milky bursts and visual appeal.
2–3 Roma or cherry tomatoes, sliced: Their juiciness brings freshness and a slight tang that balances the cheese.
2 tbsp balsamic glaze: This sweet and tangy drizzle is the signature finishing touch.
Fresh basil leaves: The herbaceous punch that completes the classic Caprese trio.
Salt & pepper to taste: Simple seasoning enhances every ingredient’s flavor.
Optional – 1–2 cloves garlic, minced: For a subtle aromatic depth if you want a bit more zing.

How to Make Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to a sizzling 450°F (232°C). This high heat is key to achieving a crisp, golden crust. Lightly grease your sheet pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and add a touch of flavor to the bottom crust.

Step 2: Stretch the Dough

Gently stretch or roll your dough out to fit your sheet pan’s size. The thinner you go, the crisper the crust will get. Be generous yet delicate — you want an even base that holds up to those delicious toppings.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Garlic

Brush the dough with olive oil, spreading it evenly. If you’re using garlic, sprinkle the minced cloves over the oil now so the aroma infuses right into the crust during baking.

Step 4: Layer the Cheeses and Tomatoes

Start by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella across the dough to create a melty, cheesy foundation. Then, arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly, followed by the sliced Roma or cherry tomatoes. This layering ensures a delightful balance of textures and meltiness to each mouthful.

Step 5: Season the Toppings

Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over the assembly to enhance all those fresh flavors. This simple seasoning step is crucial — it lifts the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese beautifully.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Pop the sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, slightly browned cheese. That visual cue means your pizza is ready to come out.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

As soon as the pizza emerges from the oven, drizzle it with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, their bright, herbaceous notes waking up all the flavors. Slice your creation and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a pizza slice on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The pizza has a thin, golden-brown crust. The first layer is melted white cheese that covers the entire slice, followed by small slices of red and yellow cherry tomatoes scattered on top. There are also green basil leaves spread over the cheese and tomatoes. Thin, light-colored shavings of cheese are sprinkled over the pizza, adding texture. The colors are bright and fresh, with the golden crust, white cheese, red and yellow tomatoes, and green leaves all clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the fresh basil and balsamic glaze, you can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a quick squeeze of lemon juice to brighten every bite. A few chili flakes also bring a nice subtle heat if you love a little spice.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or a light bowl of soup like tomato basil to keep the Italian theme flowing. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or garlic bread round out the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pizza on a large wooden board for that rustic, family-style vibe. Or arrange slices on individual plates with a small basil sprig on each for a touch of elegance. For a fun twist, cut the pizza into smaller squares for party-friendly finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making reheated slices taste just as delightful — if not better!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, par-bake the crust for 5 minutes, then cool before topping and freezing. Store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen until bubbly and crisp.

Reheating

To reheat your Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe, use a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty without drying out the toppings like a microwave might.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free dough works perfectly here. Just adjust the baking time slightly since gluten-free crusts can brown faster or need a bit more time to crisp up.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can easily swap out the mozzarella for vegan cheese alternatives and drizzle with a balsamic glaze that’s free of additives. The fresh basil and tomato flavors will still shine bright.

What’s the best way to make homemade balsamic glaze?

Simmer balsamic vinegar gently until it reduces by about half and thickens slightly to a syrupy consistency. This homemade version tastes fresh and allows you to control the sweetness.

Can I add more toppings to the Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe?

Definitely! While the classic Caprese toppings are perfect as is, you could add thinly sliced prosciutto, olives, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.

Why should I par-bake the dough?

Par-baking helps create a sturdy, crisp base that won’t get soggy from the moist fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. It’s especially recommended if you prefer an extra crunchy crust.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to bring restaurant-quality Italian flavors right into your kitchen with minimal effort. The marriage of fresh ingredients and a crispy sheet pan crust creates a comforting yet sophisticated meal your whole family will love. Give it a try and add this fresh and fun pizza to your dinner rotation — I promise it will become a favorite in no time!