Caprese Pizza | Homtone Pizza Oven

Product: https://homtone.com/products/10-in-1-electric-pizza-oven

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Step 1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 800℉. Allow it to preheat for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure the oven reaches the correct temperature. This high temperature is crucial for achieving the crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese characteristic of a wood-fired pizza.

Step 2. Prepare the Tomatoes:

Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry.
Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. Try to make the slices as even as possible to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3. Prepare the Basil:

Wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. You can leave the leaves whole or tear them into smaller pieces for more even distribution.

Step 4. Prepare the Dough:

Take the pizza dough out of the refrigerator (if it was refrigerated) and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make it more manageable.
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
Place the dough on the floured surface and gently stretch it by hand. Start from the center and work your way outwards, creating a thin, even crust. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Avoid using a rolling pin to preserve the air bubbles in the dough, which will give the crust its characteristic texture and crispiness.

Step 4. Add the Tomato Sauce:

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the stretched dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Use a spoon or a small ladle to apply the sauce evenly.
Be careful not to use too much sauce, as this can make the pizza soggy. A thin layer is ideal for a balanced flavor.

Step 5. Layer the Cheese:

Place slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the tomato sauce. Ensure the cheese covers the sauce completely, as this will help create a uniform melt and prevent the sauce from bubbling up excessively. The mozzarella should be thinly sliced to ensure it melts smoothly at the high temperature.

Step 6. Arrange the Tomatoes and Basil:

Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Distribute them in a way that they are spread out but not overcrowded. This ensures even cooking and prevents the tomatoes from becoming too soggy.
Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes. The basil will add a burst of fresh flavor to the pizza.

Step 7. Season and Drizzle:

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pizza. This adds a rich flavor and helps the crust achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the entire pizza to enhance the flavors of the cheese, sauce, and toppings. If desired, add a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 8. Bake the Pizza:

Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. If you have a pizza stone or steel, place the pizza directly on it for optimal heat distribution and a crispy crust.
Bake the pizza for approximately 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it through the oven window to monitor the cheese and crust. The high temperature means the pizza will cook quickly, and you want to avoid overcooking.

Step 9. Check for Doneness:

After 3 minutes, carefully remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or tongs. Check the cheese for the desired level of char and melt. The crust should be golden-brown and crispy, and the tomatoes should be slightly softened but still retain their shape.

Step 10. Garnish and Serve:

If desired, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the pizza for added sweetness and depth of flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.
Let the pizza rest for about 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Then, slice it into wedges and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Caprese Pizza!