Description
This vibrant Pesto Pizza recipe combines a homemade basil pesto with melted mozzarella and fresh tomatoes atop a crispy, golden pizza crust. Perfect for a flavorful and colorful meal, this pizza balances herbaceous pesto, creamy cheese, and juicy tomatoes, making a delightful Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pesto Ingredients
- 1 cup (30g) fresh basil leaves
- 3 Tablespoons (24g) pine nuts
- 3 Tablespoons (12g) freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 small cloves garlic
- 3 Tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pizza Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornmeal
- 1 and 1/2 cups (6 ounces or 180g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (75g) halved cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup (12g) chopped fresh basil
- Optional for garnish: extra pesto, sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese and/or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: Pulse basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate pesto until ready to use to let flavors meld.
- Prepare Pizza Dough and Oven: Prepare pizza dough as per your recipe or package instructions. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add a slight crunch to the crust bottom.
- Shape the Pizza: Divide dough if needed, flatten and stretch or roll it out to form a 12-inch diameter circle. Create a slight rim on the edges to hold toppings during baking.
- Assemble Pizza: Brush the entire pizza dough surface with half of the olive oil. Spread the pesto evenly over the dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes if using. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 14–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Final Touches and Serve: Remove pizza from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and, if desired, garnish with extra pesto, parmesan cheese, and/or red pepper flakes. Slice and serve hot for best taste.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pesto if short on time, but homemade adds freshness.
- For a crispier crust, bake pizza on a preheated pizza stone or steel.
- Customize toppings by adding grilled vegetables or your favorite meats.
- To make pizza dough ahead, refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping.
- Pine nuts can be lightly toasted to enhance flavor before blending into pesto.
