When you need a quick and delicious meal, this flatbread pizza Margherita is the perfect solution! Inspired by the classic Caprese flavors, this crispy flatbread is topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and pesto, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an irresistible balance of flavors. Keep flatbreads in your freezer so you’re always ready to whip up a tomato basil treat anytime a craving hits!
Need an easy appetizer to impress guests or a quick weeknight dinner? This caprese flatbread is the answer! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a crispy flatbread crust, this recipe is simple to make but full of flavor.
Fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and pesto are layered onto the flatbread, then finished with a balsamic glaze drizzle for the perfect sweet and tangy touch. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, light lunch, or effortless dinner, this caprese pizza is a delicious, no-fuss meal you’ll want to make again and again!
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What is a Caprese Flatbread?
This recipe mixes Caprese and flatbread to create a deliciously tasty appetizer dinner. The pesto, tomato, and mozzarella is layered on top of a soft unleavened flatbread crust and baked. Then it is drizzled with balsamic glaze before serving.
This flatbread pizza uses pesto sauce instead of tomato sauce for the base.
You can use a store-bought sauce, of course. But, we used a homemade pesto sauce for this recipe because it is super easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
Unlike traditional pizza recipes, this Margherita flatbread pizza comes together in minutes! There’s no need to make dough from scratch—just grab a store-bought flatbread, layer on fresh toppings, and bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute appetizer. - Incredible fresh taste
This recipe is bursting with fresh flavors from juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors makes each bite a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and herbaceous goodness. - Versatile and customizable
You can easily switch up the ingredients to match your preferences! Add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or arugula for a twist, or swap the pesto for marinara sauce for a more classic take. Whether you’re making it for dinner, lunch, or a party appetizer, this flatbread pizza Margherita is always a hit!
Have this tasty starter (or dinner) ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for a quick, easy weeknight meal, this recipe will not disappoint.
Love pesto and Caprese? Check out our other recipes with them! There are many to choose from – Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe, Caprese Chicken Recipe, Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze, Pea Pesto Pasta, Gnocchi Pesto with asparagus, or Italian pasta and peas.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Flatbread: We used a store-bought flatbread for this recipe. However, you can make your own homemade flatbread if you prefer or use a different type of bread like naan bread or pita bread.
- Olive oil: This is used for brushing the flatbread before cooking. You can also use melted butter if you prefer.
- Tomatoes: Fresh is best for this recipe. We used grape tomatoes in this recipe but you can use any tomato you like, such as Roma or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to strain the juices from them first.
- Basil pesto: You can also use a store-bought pesto sauce or use San Marzano tomato sauce in place of the pesto.
- Mozzarella: We used drained and patted dry mozzarella balls for this recipe, but you can also use shredded mozzarella cheese or use a different type of cheese like provolone or grated Parmesan.
- Garnish: Fresh basil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper.
Recipe Variations
- Caprese chicken flatbread: Add cooked chicken to the Caprese flatbread.
- Cheesy: Add extra parmesan cheese on top for a richer, more indulgent flavor. You can also mix in shredded mozzarella for a melty, cheesy bite.
- Swap out the pesto for another sauce like easy 3 ingredient bbq sauce or marinara sauce.
- Add some spice by adding red pepper flakes to the flatbread.
- Get creative with your garnish and add crumbled bacon, Kalamata olives, or roasted red pepper dip with feta.
- Garlic butter: Brush the crust with garlic butter before adding toppings for a buttery, aromatic twist.
- Protein-packed:Top your Margherita Flatbread Pizza with grilled chicken, prosciutto, or crispy bacon for extra protein and flavor.
- Vegetable-loaded: Enhance your flatbread pizza Margherita with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and texture.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry brush
- Parchment paper – recommended
How to Make Caprese Pizza
- Prepare the oven.
Put a baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 450ºF. - Prepare the flatbread.
Brush each flatbread with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Take the sheet out of the oven and line it with parchment paper, a Silpat silicone sheet, or lightly oil it.
Place the flatbreads on a preheated baking tray. Then bake at 450ºF on the top rack for 3-4 minutes, until golden and crisp.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Note: Preheating the baking sheet helps the flatbreads crisp on the bottom.
- Making the flatbread Margherita.
Carefully spread each flatbread with up to 1/4 cup of pesto, leaving a one-inch border. Sprinkle the top of each with 1/2 of the halved grape tomatoes.
Cut mozzarella balls into halves (unless using the small pearl size) or tear the slices into bite-sized pieces. Then spread the cheese around the flatbread.
- Bake this in an oven at 450ºF for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the oven.
- Garnish and serve.
Top with basil leaves. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of each and cut them into quarters.
This is best served fresh and warm. Serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. I like to serve them with simple garlic aioli or ranch dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Caprese flatbread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, light lunch, or quick dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad like a classic Caesar or arugula salad for a balanced meal. If you’re serving it as part of a larger Italian spread, it goes perfectly with pasta dishes, bruschetta, or a bowl of homemade soup like tomato basil soup.
For a heartier option, serve your Caprese pizza with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a charcuterie board filled with olives, prosciutto, and cheeses. With that, don’t forget the drinks—this flatbread pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, sparkling lemonade, or an Aperol spritz. Whether you’re making it for weeknight dinner, a summer picnic, or a dinner party, this fresh and flavorful flatbread is always a crowd-pleaser!
Recipe FAQs
You can make the flatbread crispy by preheating the baking sheet in the oven, like in this recipe. This will help them to be crispy on the bottom.
If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, you can use a balsamic vinegar reduction. You could also use honey drizzled on top.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat leftovers, put them in an oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes or until they are warm.
For freezing, just place the flatbreads in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it as directed above.
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella cheese gives that classic Caprese pizza flavor, you can also use parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even feta for a different twist.
Yes! You can assemble the flatbread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. However, for the best texture, add fresh basil leaves and balsamic glaze just before serving.
Yes! Naan, pita bread, or even a thin pizza crust work great as a substitute. They’ll give you slightly different textures, but they all make delicious bases for a Caprese flatbread pizza.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes To Love…
If you tried this caprese flatbread recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Flatbread Pizza Margherita
Equipment
- baking sheet or shallow casserole dish
- pastry brush
- parchment paper - recommended
Ingredients
- 2 flatbreads
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (if you substitute with cherry tomatoes strain the juice from them first)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- fresh basil
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Place the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 450ºF. As the oven is preheating, prepare the flatbreads.
- Brush each flatbread from edge to edge with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oven is preheated remove the baking sheet from the oven and line it with parchment paper, a silpat silicone sheet, or lightly grease the sheet.
- Carefully place the flatbreads on the preheated baking sheet. Bake at 450ºF on the top rack for 3-4 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread each flatbread with up to 1/4 cup of pesto to within 1 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the top of each with 1/2 of the halved grape tomatoes. Cut mozzarella balls in half (unless using the small pearl size) or tear the slices into bite-sized pieces. Spread the mozzarella cheese around the flatbread.
- Bake at 450ºF for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove flatbreads from the oven and place on a cutting board. Top with basil leaves and drizzle top with balsamic glaze. Cut each into quarters and serve.
Notes
-
- Caprese chicken flatbread: add cooked chicken to the flatbread Caprese.
-
- Cheesy: Add extra parmesan cheese on top for a richer, more indulgent flavor. You can also mix in shredded mozzarella for a melty, cheesy bite.
-
- Swap out the pesto for another sauce like easy 3 ingredient bbq sauce or marinara sauce.
-
- Add some spice by adding red pepper flakes to the flatbread.
-
- Get creative with your garnish and add crumbled bacon, Kalamata olives, or roasted red pepper dip with feta.
-
- Garlic butter: Brush the crust with garlic butter before adding toppings for a buttery, aromatic twist.
-
- Protein-packed:Top your Margherita Flatbread Pizza with grilled chicken, prosciutto, or crispy bacon for extra protein and flavor.
-
- Vegetable-loaded: Enhance your flatbread pizza Margherita with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and texture.
- Preheating the baking sheet helps the flatbreads crisp on the bottom.
- Tomato mozzarella flatbread leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat leftovers, put them in an oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes or until they are warm.
- Just place the tomato basil flatbreads in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to three months.
- When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
Nutrition
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Donalyn says
This is an absolutely fantastic flavor combo and very easy to make. Thanks for a great recipe!
dana says
Love the simplicity of this one! It’s so fresh and light. Perfect for an shareable appetizer or a light meal!
TAYLER ROSS says
This is my new go to flatbread recipe! So simple yet full of flavor!
Sky says
This is such an easy appetizer to make. My guests really enjoyed it and were asking for the recipe!
Melissa says
These flatbreads are amazing. I love how simple they are. We are definitely making these part of our dinner rotation!