Mini Caprese Pizza: Bite-Sized Delights for Your Next Party!

Imagine the traditional Caprese salad you love, but now envision it transformed into the cutest, most scrumptious mini pizzas. Mini Caprese pizza bring together fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil on a bite-sized crust that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or even quick meals on a busy weeknight.

They’re a hit not just because they’re delicious, but also because they’re incredibly easy to make and serve. These little delights are fun, flavorful, and offer a unique twist to traditional pizza that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. 

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

• Bursting Flavors: All the flavors of caprese salad. Each bite packs a punch with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil.
• Perfect Size: Mini means you can pop them in your mouth without a mess.
• Crowd Pleasers: These little delights impress at parties, from kids to foodies.
• Quick to Make: Get ’em ready in no time with simple ingredients you probably have.
• Versatile: Great as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal.
• Instagram-Worthy: Look fabulous on any spread, making your pics pop.
• Healthy-ish: Guilt-free indulgence with wholesome ingredients.

If you are obsessed with the flavors of a Caprese salad, you will also love Mini Caprese Salad Skewers and Caprese Chicken Recipe.

🧾 Ingredients

Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.

• Naan rounds
• Pizza sauce or tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella
• Cherry tomatoes
• Arugula
• Fresh basil leaves
• Tangy balsamic glaze
• Black pepper

🍳 How to Make Classic Caprese Pizza Recipe

Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.

Crank up your oven to 350°F.

Slice those cherry tomatoes.

Stack your basil leaves, roll them up like a cigar, and slice them into thin ribbons.

Lay your mini naan rounds on a baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza pan, and spread pizza sauce on top of the pizza crusts.

Sprinkle shredded cheese, cherry tomato slices, and basil ribbons evenly over the mini pizzas. Sprinkle on some black pepper.

Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the edges are crispy and golden brown to your liking.

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and add a handful of arugula.

Dig in and enjoy!

🥄 Variations

Who doesn’t love your own pizza that can be tweaked to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs? Mini Caprese pizza is no different and offer plenty of flexibility for diverse preferences. From gluten-free options to vegan tweaks, and ways to pump up the protein, here’s how you can customize these bite-sized delights.

Your Favorite Pizza Dough

I am using naan for making the pizza caprese. However, there are a lot of different things that can be used for the crust. You can use regular homemade pizza dough or use store bought. You can often find it in the premade food area of the grocery store. Easy caprese pizza base can be made using tortillas for a crispy pizza crust, flatbread for a thin crust, or make garlic bread pizza.  

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

While this recipe is using shredded mozzarella cheese, you can use mozzarella slices. It will be creamy and delicious on the basil pizza. 

Gluten-Free Version

Mini Caprese pizzas can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. Yes, you read that right – pizza for everyone!

Cauliflower Crust: This veggie-based crust is not only gluten-free but also adds an extra bit of nutrition to your mini pizzas. The cauliflower crust offers a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh mozzarella and basil. It’s a healthy, delicious alternative.

Store-Bought Gluten-Free Crusts: There are plenty of good store-bought gluten-free crust options that save time and effort. Brands like Udi’s and Schär offer ready-made crusts that are perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Homemade Gluten-Free Dough: If you like to bake, you can make your own gluten-free dough recipe using almond flour or rice flour. 

Whether you choose to buy or make your own, going gluten-free with mini Caprese pizzas is simple and delicious!

Vegan Modifications

Vegan Mozzarella: Vegan cheese has come a long way, and there are several fantastic options available. Miyoko’s Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella is a standout for its creamy texture and easy melting. 

Homemade Vegan Cheese: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own vegan cheese at home. A mix of cashews, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice can create a creamy, tangy cheese that melts beautifully on your mini pizzas. 

Additional Toppings: To enhance the flavor, add some vegan pesto or balsamic glaze. These additions can bring a burst of flavor that complements the fresh tomatoes and basil perfectly.

Swapping out dairy for these vegan options is easy and keeps your mini Caprese pizzas just as delightful!

Adding Protein

Looking to add a bit more substance to your mini Caprese pizzas? Whether you prefer plant-based or animal protein, here are some simple ways to turn your snack into a more satisfying meal:

Prosciutto: Thin slices of prosciutto add a savory depth to your mini pizzas. Simply layer the prosciutto on top of the mozzarella before baking. The salty, cured meat pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients.

Grilled Chicken: For a leaner protein option, add chunks of grilled chicken. Use marinated chicken breast in a bit of Italian seasoning and olive oil, then grill and slice it into small pieces. Adding it to the top of your pizzas can provide a hearty bite. 

Chickpeas: For a vegetarian protein boost, roasted chickpeas work great. They add a crunchy texture and are packed with protein and fiber. Simply season and roast chickpeas, then sprinkle them on top of your mini Caprese pizzas.

Adding protein to your mini Caprese pizzas ensures they’re not only tasty but also filling and nutritious.

🍽️ What to Serve With Caprese Pizza

Having your mini Caprese pizzas ready is just the beginning. How do you create the perfect dining experience? Here are some excellent suggestions for pairing drinks and choosing side dishes that will enhance every bite.

Pairing with Drinks

Choosing the right drink to pair with your mini Caprese pizzas can elevate the flavors and make your meal more enjoyable. Here are some refreshing and complementary options:

• Italian Wines: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti pairs perfectly with the fresh flavors of Caprese. You might also enjoy a Rosé for something a little different.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is refreshing and palate-cleansing.
• Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade offers a sweet and tangy balance to the rich mozzarella and tangy tomatoes.

Side Dish Ideas

To complement the rich and fresh flavors of mini Caprese pizzas, consider these delicious side dish options:

• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect match. It helps to keep the meal light and fresh.
• Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables provides a variety of textures and flavors that complement the mini pizzas. It’s a classic Italian starter that adds a touch of elegance and variety to your spread.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: These go-to sides are always a hit. The buttery, garlicky flavors perfectly complement the fresh ingredients of the Caprese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus or green beans with a sprinkle of parmesan. The slight char and caramelization add depth to the meal.

Storing Mini Caprese Pizzas

Storing mini Caprese pizzas is a breeze! Once your leftover pizza is cooled, place them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together. Pop the container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. 

If you’re planning for a longer pizza party prep, freeze them on a baking sheet first and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When hunger strikes, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. 

💭 Tips for the Best Mini Caprese Pizza

Creating the perfect mini Caprese pizzas can be an art. To make sure every bite bursts with flavor, consider these expert tips. From selecting the best tomatoes to handling fresh mozzarella and perfecting basil storage, each detail matters.

Choosing the Best Tomatoes

Ripe tomatoes are the heart of a great Caprese pizza. Choosing the right kind will ensure your pizzas are juicy and flavorful.

• Roma Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are known for their deep flavor and low water content, making them ideal for pizzas. They hold up well under heat and won’t make your crust soggy.
• Cherry Tomatoes: For a burst of sweetness, cherry tomatoes are perfect. They roast beautifully and add a vibrant pop of color to each mini pizza.
• Heirloom Tomatoes: If you’re after something more unique, heirloom tomatoes offer diverse flavors and colors. They can be a bit more watery, so make sure to pat them dry before using.

Using Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is a game-changer for mini Caprese pizzas, but it does need special handling.

• Selection: Always go for fresh, high-quality mozzarella. It melts beautifully and has a creamy texture that complements the tomatoes and basil.
• Draining: Fresh mozzarella has a high moisture content. To avoid a watery pizza, drain it well before using. Let it sit on paper towels for 15-30 minutes.
• Tearing: Instead of slicing, tear the mozzarella into pieces. Tearing creates uneven edges that melt more evenly and give a rustic look.

Perfecting the Basil

Basil adds the final touch of freshness to mini Caprese pizzas. Here’s how to make sure it’s perfect.

• Selection: Choose bright green, unblemished leaves. Smaller leaves tend to be more tender and flavorful.
• Storage: Basil can wilt quickly. To keep it fresh, store it like a bouquet of flowers, with stems in water. You can also refrigerate it loosely covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture.

📖More Pizza Recipes

• Heart Shaped Pizza For Valentine’s Day
• Ground Beef Pizza
• Weight Watchers Pizza with Pepperoni
• Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
• BBQ Chicken Pizza Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Need to change the number of servings? You can click on the number of servings and change the number. This will adjust the ingredient measurements to what you need. 

If you love this recipe, come back and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️