Description
This Blackberry Basil Pizza offers a unique and refreshing twist on classic flavors by combining fresh blackberries, aromatic basil, creamy mozzarella and goat cheese, and a balsamic glaze drizzle atop a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Perfect for a gourmet snack or light meal, it balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes for an unforgettable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour for dusting
Toppings
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy crust and bubbly cheese.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to become more pliable.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round, making the edges slightly thicker to form a crust.
- Transfer Dough: Carefully move the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, optionally lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mash Blackberries: In a small bowl, gently mash half of the blackberries with a fork to create a spreadable layer while keeping the rest whole for texture and bursts of flavor.
- Season Blackberries: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mashed blackberries to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Prepare Cheese Mix: In another bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and crumbled goat cheese together.
- Add Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder into the cheese mixture and stir well to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Spread Blackberry Layer: Evenly spread the mashed blackberry mixture over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges free for the crust.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the combined cheese mixture evenly over the mashed blackberry layer.
- Top with Whole Blackberries: Scatter the remaining whole blackberries evenly over the cheese for texture and a juicy burst.
- Add Basil: Sprinkle the roughly chopped basil leaves on top of the pizza for a fresh herbal aroma.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the entire pizza to promote browning and add richness.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Monitor Baking: Watch the pizza closely in the last few minutes; if the edges brown too fast, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes to firm up before slicing.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the pizza to add a tangy sweetness.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into 4-6 wedges and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Allowing store-bought dough to rest at room temperature makes it easier to roll out.
- Using a pizza stone can improve crust crispness but a baking sheet works well too.
- Adjust garlic powder to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Covering edges with foil prevents overbrowning during baking.
- Balsamic glaze adds a rich tang that pairs beautifully with sweet blackberries and creamy cheese.
- Serve this pizza fresh to enjoy the contrast of warm toppings and fresh basil.
