Sometimes the simplest ideas turn out to be the most delicious! And this Caprese Pesto Flatbread is exactly that kind of recipe.
Think crisp, golden flatbread topped with creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic pesto, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. It’s got all the beautiful, fresh flavors of a Caprese salad, but baked into a warm, cheesy, satisfying flatbread.
Over time, I’ve made quite a few flatbread recipes here on GypsyPlate, like my Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread, Smoked Salmon Flatbread, Mediterranean Flatbread, and Fig Prosciutto Flatbread. Each one has its own little personality, and this Caprese version might just be the freshest, brightest, and easiest of them all.
This one is perfect when you need something quick and crowd-pleasing! An easy lunch, a light dinner, or a gorgeous appetizer to share. And the best part? You can have it ready in under 15 minutes.
Latest Videos
Ingredients Notes
I have included all ingredient amounts in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here are the thing you will need:
- Flatbread or Pizza Shell: I like using store bought flatbread for a quick shortcut. You can also use naan or lavash for a slightly different texture. The Aldi flatbread I am using here is 6.5×13 inches. That’s equivalent to about a 10-11 inch round.
- Sun Dried Tomato Pesto: This adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese. You can also use basil pesto if you prefer that classic flavor.
- Mozzarella: Always go for fresh mozzarella for that beautiful melt and authentic Italian touch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: They blister up sweet and juicy in the oven. Grape or heirloom tomatoes work great too.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a little seasoning for cherry tomatoes.
- Olive Oil, Oregano, and Chili Flakes: These add a lovely Mediterranean punch and a little kick.
- Balsamic Glaze: That drizzle at the end adds the perfect touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Fresh Basil: The freshness and aroma it brings truly complete the Caprese experience. Always add it after baking so it stays vibrant.
How to Make Caprese Pesto Flatbread
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: In a small bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well so they’re nicely coated.
3. Build the Flatbread: Spread the sun dried tomato pesto evenly over your flatbread or pizza shell.
Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly on top of the pesto, then spoon the seasoned cherry tomatoes over the cheese. Sprinkle lightly with oregano and red chili flakes.
4. Bake: Place the flatbread directly on the oven grates and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden and crisp.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
Slice and serve right away while it’s warm and melty.
Tips and Variations
- Make it heartier: Add prosciutto, grilled chicken, or artichoke hearts before baking.
- Swap pestos: Use regular Basil Pesto for a more traditional flavor.
- Play with cheeses: A sprinkle of shredded provolone, fontina, or even crumbled goat cheese mixed in with the mozzarella gives a beautiful flavor boost.
- Make it mini: Use smaller flatbreads or naan to create individual servings for parties or appetizers.
Storing and Leftovers
Serve your Caprese Pesto Flatbread hot and fresh straight from the oven. It’s at its very best right away — the crust is crisp, the mozzarella is perfectly melted, and the basil is still fragrant.
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the crust will soften as it sits, and it won’t be quite as crisp as when freshly baked. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back some of that crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the flatbread soggy.
This Caprese Pesto Flatbread is such a crowd-pleaser. It looks gorgeous, tastes incredible, and comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for easy entertaining or when you just want to treat yourself to something fresh and delicious.
Keep Those Pesto Flavors Going!
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pesto Tortellini Soup
Pesto Eggs
Cucumber Salad with Pesto
Creamy Pesto Chicken
Pesto Shrimp & Grits
Recipe Video
Caprese Pesto Flatbread
This Caprese Pesto Flatbread is fresh, cheesy, and ready in 15 minutes! Crisp flatbread topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto, and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 store bought flatbread or Pizza shell
- ⅓ cup sun dried tomato pesto (you can sub with basil pesto)
- 4oz fresh mozzarella ball, sliced
- oregano, to sprinkle
- red chili flakes, to sprinkle
- balsamic glaze, for garnish
- handful of fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a small bowl, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread sun dried pesto all over flatbread. Arrange mozzarella slices and cherry tomatoes all over the flatbread. Sprinkle oregano and red chili flakes. Place the flatbread directly on grates and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown, cheese is melted and tomatoes are blistered. You can add couple of more minutes for crispier flatbread.
- Arrange basil leaves on top. Drizzle balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Notes
- The Aldi flatbread I am using here is 6.5×13 inches. That’s equivalent to about a 10-11 inch round.
- You can also use basil pesto if you prefer that classic flavor.
Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 764Total Fat 39gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 51mgSodium 1330mgCarbohydrates 78gFiber 7gSugar 15gProtein 29g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
Get griddling! Try these Blackstone Recipes!
Never miss a recipe!
Join the GypsyPlate mailing list and get easy dinner recipes right in your mailbox. From homestyle comfort food to exotic dishes from around the world.
