Easy Caprese Flatbread with Hummus: A Refreshing Summer Pizza Recipe

Looking for a quick, vibrant, and utterly delicious meal that perfectly captures the essence of summer? This Caprese Flatbread is your answer! Imagine a savory hummus-spread base, generously layered with juicy fresh tomatoes, creamy sliced mozzarella cheese, aromatic basil leaves, and finished with a luscious balsamic vinegar drizzle. It’s a versatile dish you can serve chilled on those sweltering summer days for a refreshing bite or bake it until golden and bubbly straight from the oven for a comforting, warm treat.

As summer approaches, my anticipation for visiting local farmer’s markets grows exponentially. There’s an unparalleled joy in strolling through the vibrant stalls, discovering a cornucopia of seasonal produce. In my hometown of Pittsburgh, I frequent a couple of markets where I invariably leave with an overflowing bag of nature’s bounty – ripe tomatoes, sweet peaches, crisp zucchini, fresh corn, and an array of fragrant herbs. This delightful abundance often leads to a delightful dilemma: what to create with all these incredible ingredients?

To tackle this “good problem,” I’ve cultivated a repertoire of simple yet satisfying recipes designed to highlight the freshness of seasonal produce. When I find myself with an abundance of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, my mind often drifts to classic Italian flavors. I might whip up a traditional Caprese salad – a sublime combination of fresh tomatoes, delicate sliced mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Or perhaps I’ll get a bit more adventurous and make my own homemade basil pesto from scratch.

For those evenings when I crave a heartier meal, these fresh ingredients can still take center stage. I love creating dishes like my Caprese steak dinner for two or juicy pesto burgers. However, when I’m in the mood for something lighter, vegetarian, and incredibly easy, this Caprese Flatbread is my absolute go-to. It’s essentially a cold hummus pizza, drawing inspiration from those popular cold veggie pizzas often found at summer gatherings and potlucks, but with a sophisticated Caprese twist.

I typically serve this Caprese pizza cold, especially during the peak of summer when the thought of turning on my gas oven feels like an inferno. But don’t let that limit you! If you prefer your mozzarella gloriously melted and slightly browned, feel free to bake it. The choice is yours, adapting perfectly to your craving and the weather outside.

What truly elevates this flatbread is the balsamic vinegar drizzle. This isn’t just any vinegar; it’s a homemade balsamic reduction – a fancy term for slightly thickened vinegar that has been gently simmered to concentrate its sweetness and mellow its acidity. The result is a syrupy, tangy-sweet glaze that adds an incredible depth of flavor to every bite, far less sharp than balsamic straight from the bottle.

For ultimate convenience and speed, especially when it’s too hot to contemplate heating up the kitchen, I often opt for store-bought flatbread. However, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to create your flatbread pizza entirely from scratch, using homemade pizza dough is a fantastic option that will add another layer of fresh-baked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Hummus Flatbread

This Caprese Hummus Flatbread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience that brings together convenience, fresh flavors, and satisfying textures. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Effortlessly Quick: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when hunger strikes fast.
Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it cold as a refreshing appetizer or light lunch, or bake it for a warm, melty, and comforting pizza experience. It adapts to any mood or season.
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, and zesty balsamic glaze creates a symphony of classic Italian tastes.
Healthy-ish & Satisfying: Hummus provides a nutritious, protein-packed base, while fresh vegetables add vitamins and fiber. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional pizzas without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to prepare in advance, visually appealing, and universally loved, it makes a fantastic appetizer or light main course for parties and potlucks.
Vegetarian Friendly: A delightful option for vegetarian diets, proving that meatless meals can be incredibly flavorful and fulfilling.
Customizable: While the Caprese classic is perfect, this flatbread serves as a fantastic canvas for additional toppings, allowing you to personalize it to your taste.

Essential Ingredients for Your Caprese Flatbread

Crafting this delightful hummus pizza begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the harmonious flavors and textures of the Caprese Flatbread. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best:

Flatbread: The foundation of our pizza! While I frequently reach for pillowy naan bread for its soft texture and slight chewiness, pita bread is another excellent choice that works beautifully. You can also explore other pre-made flatbread options available at your grocery store. For an even more authentic touch, consider making your own homemade pizza dough for a truly from-scratch experience, though it adds to the prep time.
Hummus: This is where you can truly get creative! The beauty of hummus as a base is its versatility in flavor. While I often gravitate towards roasted garlic hummus for its savory depth, feel free to experiment with your favorite variety. Lemon hummus for a zesty kick, red pepper hummus for a hint of sweetness, or even a classic plain hummus will all work wonderfully. Choose a good quality store-bought brand for convenience, or try your hand at homemade hummus if you’re feeling adventurous.
Mozzarella: For the best Caprese experience, fresh mozzarella is non-negotiable. Look for a ball of fresh mozzarella, often packed in water or brine. Its soft, milky texture and mild flavor are superior to pre-shredded or drier block mozzarella. Slicing it yourself ensures beautiful, thick discs that melt perfectly (if baking) or add a lovely creaminess (if serving cold).
Tomato: The star of the show! The fresher, the better. This is where your farmer’s market haul truly shines. Opt for ripe, vibrant red tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to pressure. Heirloom tomatoes can add beautiful color and complex flavors. A crucial tip: do not use grocery store tomatoes that are pale and firm, and never refrigerate your fresh tomatoes! Cold temperatures dull their flavor and turn them mealy. Keep them at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves are essential for that signature Caprese aroma and peppery-sweet flavor. A generous amount of freshly chopped basil elevates the dish. While fresh is always best, in a pinch, you could use a good quality basil paste or even a swirl of pesto for a different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient transforms into our delightful drizzle. Choose a decent quality balsamic vinegar; it doesn’t have to be the most expensive aged variety, but a good standard balsamic will yield the best results for the reduction. It provides that essential sweet yet tangy counterpoint to the fresh ingredients.
Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar is used to sweeten the balsamic vinegar as it reduces. This helps to balance the vinegar’s natural acidity, creating a perfectly mellow, syrupy glaze that isn’t overpoweringly tart. The caramel notes of brown sugar also complement the balsamic beautifully.

What is Hummus?

I’ve incorporated hummus into many recipes, from vibrant salads to my BBQ chicken tostadas, yet the question “what is hummus?” frequently arises. Hummus is a wonderfully popular and versatile Middle Eastern spread or dip. It’s traditionally made from cooked, mashed chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) blended smoothly with tahini (a paste made from ground sesame seeds), fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, often seasoned with salt and sometimes cumin. This creamy, flavorful concoction is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Most commonly, people enjoy hummus as a dip with warm homemade pita chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or crusty bread. However, as this Caprese Flatbread demonstrates, it’s also an incredible ingredient for spreading, creating a rich and flavorful base for sandwiches, wraps, and of course, pizzas and flatbreads. You can easily find ready-made hummus in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually located near the deli, often available in a variety of delicious flavors to suit your preference.

Step-by-Step: How To Make Caprese Flatbread

Making your Caprese flatbread pizza is incredibly straightforward, whether you choose to serve it cold or baked. The process is quick, allowing you to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. The sugar helps to sweeten and thicken the glaze.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half and taken on a syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over-reduce, as it will thicken further as it cools.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool. As it cools, the glaze will thicken to a perfect drizzle-able consistency.

2. Assemble the Cold Caprese Flatbread

This is the quickest method, perfect for hot days:

Spread the Hummus: Take your chosen flatbread (naan or pita works wonderfully) and evenly spread a generous layer of your favorite hummus across its surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Layer the Fresh Toppings: Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices, ripe tomato slices, and chopped fresh basil leaves artfully over the hummus base. Feel free to overlap them slightly for a beautiful presentation.
Drizzle and Serve: Once your balsamic glaze has cooled and thickened, generously drizzle it over the assembled flatbread. Slice into desired portions and serve immediately.

Any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though this flatbread is best enjoyed fresh.

3. For a Baked Caprese Flatbread (Warm & Melty)

If you prefer your cheese melted and your flatbread warm, here’s how to do it:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Have a baking sheet ready.
Prepare the Base: Spread the hummus evenly over your flatbread.
Add Mozzarella & Tomatoes: Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices and tomato slices on top of the hummus. At this stage, do not add the basil or balsamic glaze, as they can burn or lose flavor during baking.
Bake: Carefully transfer the flatbread to the preheated baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges, and the flatbread crust is lightly crisped.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, immediately garnish the hot flatbread with fresh basil leaves and a generous drizzle of your prepared balsamic glaze. The heat will bring out the basil’s aroma even more. Slice and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Caprese Flatbread

Quality Ingredients are Key: Since this recipe relies heavily on fresh produce, the quality of your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will directly impact the flavor. Seek out ripe, in-season ingredients.
Don’t Refrigerate Tomatoes: As mentioned, refrigerating tomatoes diminishes their flavor and texture. Store them at room temperature for the best taste.
Make Balsamic Glaze Ahead: The balsamic reduction can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This saves time when you’re ready to assemble your flatbread.
Even Hummus Spread: Ensure the hummus is spread evenly to create a consistent, flavorful base that supports the other toppings.
Experiment with Hummus Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different hummus varieties like roasted red pepper, garlic, or even spicy for a unique twist.
Serve Immediately: While leftovers are good, this Caprese flatbread is best enjoyed fresh, especially when served cold, to appreciate the crispness of the basil and the juiciness of the tomatoes.

Variations & Customizations

While the classic Caprese combination is perfect, feel free to get creative and customize your flatbread:

Add Olives: Sliced Kalamata olives can add a briny, salty kick.
Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred or homemade roasted red peppers bring a smoky sweetness.
Pesto Swirl: Instead of just basil leaves, a light swirl of fresh pesto can enhance the herby flavor.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion can add a sharp, pungent bite (caramelized onions if baking!).
Different Cheeses: While fresh mozzarella is classic, a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese could offer a different creamy texture and tang.
Protein Boost: For a non-vegetarian option, add cooked shredded chicken or crispy prosciutto.

More Delightful Pizza & Flatbread Recipes

If you enjoyed this vibrant Caprese Hummus Flatbread, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of my favorite pizza and flatbread creations, perfect for any occasion:

Brussels Sprouts and Ricotta Flatbread: A gourmet option with earthy Brussels sprouts and creamy ricotta.
Prosciutto Arugula Pizza: A sophisticated pizza featuring salty prosciutto and peppery arugula.
Thin Crust Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Spicy, cheesy, and utterly addictive, perfect for game day!
BBQ Chicken Skillet Pizza: A smoky and sweet pizza cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza: A unique seafood pizza inspired by the classic pasta dish, ideal for two.

Caprese Flatbread

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

This Caprese Flatbread is a delightful hummus pizza featuring fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a sweet balsamic drizzle. Perfect for a quick, refreshing cold meal on a hot day or baked to warm, cheesy perfection straight from the oven!

Ingredients

1 piece flatbread (such as naan or pita)
1/2 cup hummus (any flavor)
5 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
5 fresh tomato slices
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

Prepare Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture has reduced by half and is slightly syrupy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool to thicken.
Assemble Cold Flatbread: Spread the hummus evenly on top of the flatbread. Layer with mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and chopped basil. Drizzle generously with the cooled balsamic glaze before serving.

To bake flatbread:

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Have a baking sheet ready.
Assemble for Baking: Spread hummus on top of the flatbread. Top with mozzarella and tomatoes (do not add basil or balsamic glaze yet).
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, and the flatbread crust is lightly golden.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze immediately after removing from the oven.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftover cold flatbread for up to 3 days. Baked flatbread is best enjoyed fresh.
For variations, consider adding olives, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Loved this recipe? You might also enjoy my Brussels Sprouts Flatbread and Pita Pizza.

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First published May 8, 2017. Updated for enhanced readability, SEO, and expanded content.