Ready in: 20 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
Create a simple yet delicious pesto pizza with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto, perfect for a quick meal.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Fresh flavors that celebrate the seasonal bounty of autumn.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Deliciously cheesy with a crispy crust that appeals to all pizza lovers.
- Perfect balance of freshness from basil pesto and sweetness from cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create a delectable Pesto Pizza:
Pizza Base
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Pesto Sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
Cheeses
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat (optional)
How to Make Pesto Pizza (Step-by-Step)
This Pesto Pizza is a simple yet flavorful dish that you can easily whip up in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a steaming 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving a crispy bottom crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Aim for a thickness that suits your preference, then transfer it to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the fresh basil pesto over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. The fresh aroma of basil will invigorate your kitchen.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Next, arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. These cheeses will melt together beautifully, creating a rich topping.
Step 5: Top with Tomatoes
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the cheese. Their sweetness and color will elevate the flavor and visual appeal of the pizza.
Step 6: Season and Drizzle
Add a light sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper to enhance the flavor, then drizzle with olive oil. If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the goal is a golden crust and bubbly cheese.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, let the pizza cool for a moment before slicing it into wedges. Each piece will be vibrant with the flavors of pesto and fresh tomatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preheating step: An extremely hot oven is crucial for that perfect crust. Don't rush this step!
- Using too much sauce: Less is often more regarding pesto; too much can make the pizza soggy. A thin layer goes a long way in flavor.
- Not using fresh cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as nicely and can result in a waxy texture. Aim for fresh mozzarella whenever possible.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal ingredients, like roasted red peppers or even arugula tossed on right before serving.
- Try homemade dough: If you're feeling adventurous, making your pizza dough from scratch is easier than you might think and adds a special touch.
- Keep an eye on baking: Ovens can vary, so check on your pizza a minute or two before the suggested bake time expires to avoid burning.
Variations
- Swap fresh mozzarella for goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Top with prosciutto or salami for a savory kick.
- Include artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair.
How to Serve
- Slice into wedges for sharing at a casual gathering.
- Serve with a side salad for a light meal.
- Pair with a chilled white wine or craft beer.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of arugula for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in a preheated oven for 5-7 minutes to retain the crispy crust.
- Freezing: Pizza can be frozen before or after baking; wrap well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I discovered how versatile and forgiving it can be, allowing a multitude of variations based on whatever fresh ingredients I had on hand. Plus, there's nothing quite like the aroma of baking pizza that fills my apartment, making even a chilly New York evening feel cozy and inviting!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 1 pizza · Serving Size: 2 slices
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~300 calories · 12g protein · 35g carbs · 15g fat
Recipe by:
Quick and Delicious Pesto Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to a steaming 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter and transfer it to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Evenly spread the fresh basil pesto over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the cheese.
- Add a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let the pizza cool for a moment before slicing it into wedges.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought pesto can work well, but homemade pesto typically offers a fresher and more vibrant flavor. If you're short on time, feel free to use store-bought for convenience.
What else can I add as toppings?
You can customize your Pesto Pizza with ingredients like roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or even arugula added after baking for a fresh bite. The options are endless!
How can I tell when my pizza is done baking?
Your pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. A good indicator is that the edges should be crispy, and the center will have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the baking sheet.
