Caprese Flatbread with Balsamic Glaze
A quick, fresh, and flavorful Italian-inspired flatbread featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for a satisfying snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet (for roasting tomatoes)
- 1 Baking sheet (for flatbreads)
- 1 Knife (for slicing mozzarella and basil)
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Spoon or brush (for olive oil)
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 mini naan breads
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- 6 –8 large basil leaves thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Roasting: Begin by setting your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). This temperature ensures the cherry tomatoes roast evenly, developing a natural sweetness and a slight char that intensifies their flavor. Preheating is crucial so the flatbreads and tomatoes cook perfectly without becoming soggy.
- Prepare Cherry Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice any larger tomatoes in half if desired, but keep most whole to retain juiciness. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan for easy cleanup.
- Season and Coat Tomatoes: Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance their natural sweetness. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon to ensure each tomato is evenly coated in oil and seasoning. This step helps them roast evenly and prevents sticking.
- Roast Tomatoes to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for 20 minutes. Check them occasionally; they should start to burst and release their juices while developing slightly caramelized edges. Roasting concentrates the flavor, making the flatbread more vibrant and aromatic.
- Prepare Flatbreads: While the tomatoes roast, place your mini naan breads on a separate baking sheet. Brush the tops of each flatbread with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent drying during baking and to add a subtle richness. Ensure the oil is evenly spread to cover the surface lightly.
- Layer Fresh Mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella into approximately 2-ounce portions for each flatbread. Arrange the slices evenly on top of the oiled naan bread, covering the surface but leaving a small border around the edges. The mozzarella will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a creamy, cheesy layer that complements the roasted tomatoes.
- Assemble Roasted Tomatoes: Once the cherry tomatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven. Use a spatula to distribute them evenly over the mozzarella on each flatbread. Make sure each flatbread has a good mix of whole and slightly burst tomatoes for maximum flavor and texture.
- Bake Flatbreads with Cheese: Place the assembled flatbreads back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. The cheese should melt completely and begin to turn lightly golden brown at the edges. Keep an eye on the flatbreads to avoid over-baking, as you want the mozzarella soft and gooey, not dry or rubbery.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the flatbreads from the oven and immediately top with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its aromatic flavor without losing its vibrant green color. Basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the top of each flatbread. The sweet-tangy flavor of the glaze ties all the ingredients together and creates a visually appealing finish. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to create thin lines or a light drizzle, depending on your preference.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Transfer the flatbreads to plates or a serving board. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the melted cheese to be gooey and the flavors at their peak. These flatbreads are perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as an elegant appetizer for guests.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the olive oil: You can lightly brush or drizzle depending on your preference for richness.
- Toast the flatbread separately: For an extra-crispy base, consider pre-toasting the naan before adding toppings.
- Roasting intensifies flavors: Don’t skip roasting the tomatoes; it adds depth and a natural sweetness that raw tomatoes cannot provide.
- Customize cheese amounts: Feel free to mix mozzarella with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fontina for added complexity.
- Balsamic glaze tip: Drizzle just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Serve immediately: This flatbread is best enjoyed warm for gooey cheese and fresh flavors.
