Veggie Pizza With Cream Cheese – Homemade

If you’re craving a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza, this Homemade Cream Cheese Caprese Pizza is a must-try!

This dish combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the classic Caprese trio of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe!

Ingredients

Homemade dough

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the base:

• 1 large flatbread or pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Toppings:

• 2–3 medium tomatoes (sliced thin)
• 6 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced into rounds)
• Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
• 2 tablespoons pesto sauce (optional)

For the finish:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a sweeter reduction)
• Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Reduction

Start by creating the balsamic reduction. Pour 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drizzle, add a tablespoon of honey. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Allow it to simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half. The reduction should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Base

While the reduction cools, prepare the cream cheese base. Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning (if desired) for an extra burst of flavor.

Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. The cream cheese should have a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using pizza dough, place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone. For a crispier crust, lightly dust the baking surface with cornmeal.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the flatbread or rolled-out pizza dough. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges for a clean crust.

Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on top of the cream cheese base. Next, layer the fresh mozzarella slices evenly across the tomatoes. Add a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the mozzarella melts beautifully. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately scatter fresh basil leaves across the top. The residual heat will gently wilt the basil, releasing its aromatic flavor.

Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the pizza in zigzag patterns for a touch of sweetness and tanginess. If desired, brush the crust lightly with olive oil for extra shine and flavor.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Allow the pizza to cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife to divide it into equal portions. Serve your Homemade Cream Cheese Caprese Pizza warm and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Pro Tips

1. Choose ripe tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes work particularly well.
2. Experiment with the crust: Try whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free crust options to suit your dietary preferences.
3. Make it ahead: Prepare the balsamic reduction and cream cheese base ahead of time to speed up the process.
4. Add extra toppings: Enhance the recipe with a sprinkle of red chili flakes for heat or toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors. The cream cheese base provides a luxurious texture, while the fresh tomatoes and basil add a bright, summery vibe. The balsamic reduction ties everything together with its sweet and tangy notes.

Plus, it’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives and ensure your pizza dough is vegan-friendly.

How do I store leftovers?
Place leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispness.

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Absolutely! Store-bought balsamic glaze is a great shortcut if you’re short on time.