Easy Caprese Pizza with Blistered Tomatoes
If there’s a caprese salad on the menu, I’m probably ordering it — so when our Ooni pizza oven arrived, I had to make a Caprese-inspired pizza. Technically, all pizzas have tomato, basil, and mozzarella — but this one takes it further with blistered cherry tomatoes, chunks of mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze drizzle that makes it feel like a fresh caprese salad on warm, crisp dough.
And yes, if we’re being honest — the balsamic glaze is the real star. Without it, this would just be a Margherita pizza, but that sweet, tangy drizzle takes it to “Caprese Pizza” status. Don’t worry if you don’t have an Ooni — you can make this easily in a regular oven too.
The Ingredients
The Dough:
We used a pizza dough kit from Dellallo foods (that they sent to my husband when he was doing his food blog), but any dough will do. You can make your own from scratch, use a store-bought dough (Trader Joe’s is a great option), or a pre-made kit.
The Tomatoes & Sauce:
Blistering the tomatoes beforehand gives them a sweeter, richer flavor. Spray with oil and toss them in the air fryer or oven until they start to char and pop open. You don’t even need sauce for this pizza, but if you want a base, go with marinara or pesto — both are great options.
The Cheese:
I like a blend of Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, mixed with a little garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
After Cooking:
Once baked, finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. That last touch makes all the difference!
The Method
Step 1: Pre-blister your tomatoes:
Toss cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and air fry (or roast) at 400°F for about 10 minutes until slightly charred.
Step 2: Prep your oven or pizza oven:
If using an Ooni, preheat it now. For a regular oven, preheat to 475°F.
Step 3: Mix your cheese blend:
In a bowl, combine Monterey Jack and Parmesan with chopped thyme, parsley, and garlic.
Step 4: Shape the dough:
On a floured surface, stretch your dough into a 12-inch circle. If using a pizza oven, make sure it’s on a well-floured transfer paddle to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble the pizza:
Drizzle the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread on the pizza sauce, then evenly sprinkle your cheese blend. Add the halved mozzarella balls and blistered tomatoes on top.
Step 6: Bake:
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In an Ooni: Cook for about 60–90 seconds, rotating every 20–30 seconds.
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In a conventional oven: Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
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Step 7: Finish & serve:
Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then top with basil leaves and balsamic glaze. Slice and enjoy!
Easy Caprese Pizza with Blistered Tomatoes
Equipment
- Ooni Pizza Oven or Oven
- Air Fryer or Oven
Ingredients
- ½ pound pizza dough homemade, kit, or premade
- ⅛ cup flour for dusting
- ½ cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 8 balls small mozzarella balls halved - 16 total
- ⅛ cup pizza sauce
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves about 10 leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling
- 1 Sprig fresh thyme leaves only
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- ½ clove Garlic grated (fresh or f)rozen
Instructions
- Make or prep your pizza dough as directed.
- Preheat air fryer (or oven) to 400°F.
- Coat cherry tomatoes in ½ Tsp. Olive Oil and throw in air fryer (or oven) at 400℉ for 10 minutes (can also be done in the over just need to pre-heat the oven prior).
- In a bowl, mix together Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses with thyme leaves, parsley, and chopped garlic.
- Preheat Ooni Pizza Oven (or keep oven on if using).
- Shape dough into a 12-inch circle and drizzle with olive oil.
- Spread sauce, add cheese mixture, mozzarella, and tomatoes.
- Bake the pizza in the Ooni oven for about 60-90 seconds (rotating a quarter rotation every 20-30 seconds) or 15–20 minutes in oven.
- Let cool slightly, top with basil and balsamic glaze, slice, and serve.
welcome!
Hi, I'm Margot Searls and my hope is to turn around recipes from my table to yours. The food you put on your table can truly turn your lifestyle around for the better—hence Turned Around Table.
