Italian Caprese Flatbread with Basil Pesto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick flatbread topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto, baked until golden and fragrant for a simple Italian-inspired snack or light meal. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends store-bought pizza dough, basil pesto, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F and lightly oil a baking sheet. Roll out 1 lb store-bought pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12x10-inch rectangle and transfer to the baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Spread 1/4 cup basil pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella cheese and 2 medium sliced ripe tomatoes evenly over the pesto. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the top and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves over the flatbread. Drizzle with 2 tbsp balsamic glaze if using before slicing and serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Caprese Flatbread with Basil Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Italian Caprese Flatbread with Basil Pesto?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Caprese Flatbread with Basil Pesto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Caprese Flatbread with Basil Pesto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Italian Caprese Flatbread with Basil Pesto vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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