The Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe is everything you love about summer cooking: light, fresh, and bursting with garden flavors, all coming together on crackly grilled dough. Imagine gooey mozzarella, juicy sun-ripened tomatoes, and peppery basil leaves, finished with a generous drizzle of sweet-tart balsamic glaze—each bite is like a little vacation to the Amalfi coast. If you’re craving a meal that’s satisfying but won’t weigh you down, this is the pizza you need to make. Whether it’s a backyard get-together or a weekday dinner, this easy, memorable recipe is guaranteed to be the star of the table!

Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beautiful things about this Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe is how a handful of everyday ingredients can become something truly extraordinary. Every component matters here, bringing its own personality—cheesy, chewy, juicy, or fragrant—to make each bite sing.

Pizza dough: A ball of dough (about 1lb), left at room temperature so it stretches easily and cooks evenly on the grill.
Olive oil: Brushed on the dough for crispiness and flavor, plus it prevents sticking to the hot grill grates.
Mozzarella cheese: A full cup shredded—melty, creamy, and the base for all those incredible textures.
Tomatoes: 2 to 3 medium, sliced thin—they should be juicy but not watery, to keep the crust crisp.
Salt: Just a sprinkle brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and balances all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth, perfect with creamy cheese and basil.
Fresh basil leaves: A handful adds that classic, herbal punch—torn or whole, they make the pizza pop.
Balsamic glaze: A lush drizzle ties it all together, adding a sweet-acidic finish that’s pure magic.

How to Make Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Start by heating your grill to medium-high and oiling the grates. This does two things: first, it gets the surface hot and ready for a perfectly blistered crust; second, it keeps your dough from sticking (which is key for easy flipping later).

Step 2: Stretch the Dough

On a floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly circular; the rustic shape just makes it look more artisanal. Brush one side generously with olive oil to help get that crisp edge.

Step 3: Grill the First Side

Place the oiled side of the dough directly onto the hot grill, close the lid, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see grill marks appear and the dough puff up into beautiful bubbles. This short pre-grill creates an ideal sturdy base for your toppings.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Use tongs to flip the dough, then quickly scatter the mozzarella cheese and tomato slices on top. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to draw out the best in each topping. Close the lid and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown underneath.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Carefully slide your pizza off the grill. While it’s still hot, shower it with fresh basil leaves, then give it a slow, generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Slice into wedges and get ready for a little slice of sunshine!

How to Serve Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Right before serving, I love topping each piece with a few extra basil leaves or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dusting of red pepper flakes for a kick or a few shavings of parmesan to double down on the cheese factor.

Side Dishes

This pizza shines with relaxed sides—a big, leafy green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or a bowl of marinated olives is all you need. For a backyard dinner, add grilled vegetables or a crisp glass of chilled white wine to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe into small squares for a fabulous appetizer platter, or serve as individual flatbreads at your next garden party. You can even let family and friends add their own toppings—think roasted garlic or a spread of homemade pesto—for a personal touch that makes pizza night feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store cooled pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe—just wrap slices in plastic, then foil, and stash them in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to dive back in, let it thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To bring back that glorious crisp crust, reheat slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat, not the microwave. Cover loosely with foil and heat for a few minutes until bubbly and hot.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a huge timesaver and works perfectly here. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before stretching so it’s easier to handle and cooks evenly on the grill.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can make this pizza in a hot cast iron skillet or bake on a preheated pizza stone in the oven. The crust still turns out crisp and delicious with a little charred flavor.

What type Main Course

Shredded mozzarella melts evenly and quickly, but if you have fresh mozzarella, tear it into small pieces and scatter it over the dough. Just pat it dry first so the pizza doesn’t get soggy!

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely—this recipe is beautifully simple but also adaptable. Try a swipe of pesto, a sprinkle of arugula, or even thinly sliced prosciutto added after grilling for an extra treat.

Is balsamic glaze necessary?

The balsamic glaze gives that signature sweet-tart finish to your Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe, but if you don’t have any, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or aged balsamic vinegar also tastes wonderful.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about making Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe and sharing it with people you love. Whether you’re a grilling newbie or an experienced backyard chef, you’ll be amazed how quick and rewarding this recipe is. Give it a go, and let your summer gather around a pizza that tastes just as joyful as the season itself!

Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of a classic Caprese salad on a grilled pizza crust with this delicious Grilled Caprese Pizza recipe. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, this dish combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the richness of melted mozzarella cheese, all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 ball (about 1 lb) pizza dough, at room temperature

Toppings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2–3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
Prepare the Dough: Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round on a floured surface. Brush one side with olive oil.
Grill the Dough: Place the dough on the grill, oiled side down, and cook until grill marks form and the dough puffs up.
Add Toppings: Flip the dough, top with mozzarella, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook until cheese melts and crust is cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Remove from the grill, top with basil leaves and balsamic glaze. Slice and serve warm.