Name: Pesto Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 large store-bought or homemade flatbread; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil leaves for garnish; 1 teaspoon olive oil

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If you’re looking for a quick and vibrant meal that bursts with summery flavor, look no further than this Pesto Flatbread Pizza! With crispy flatbread as a canvas, a blanket of basil pesto, molten cheeses, juicy tomatoes, and a fresh pop of basil, this pizza is a weeknight dinner hero or an eye-catching party appetizer. It’s satisfyingly cheesy, a little bit herby, and wonderfully simple—everything I love in a pizza, ready in under 25 minutes. Trust me, Pesto Flatbread Pizza is about to become your new go-to, whether you’re cooking for friends or just enjoying a treat-yourself night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pesto Flatbread Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how straightforward but impactful each ingredient is for this recipe—every element brings something special to the table, from that creamy mozzarella stretch to the sharpness of Parmesan and the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes. You can easily swap or add to this list, which means Pesto Flatbread Pizza is as versatile as it is tasty!

Flatbread: Your base for success; use store-bought for ease or homemade for extra flair—either way, it crisps up beautifully.
Basil pesto: This is the flavor foundation of Pesto Flatbread Pizza, infusing every bite with aromatic, zesty basil richness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The oozy, melty hero that gives you those irresistible cheese pulls—don’t skimp!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of salty, nutty depth that balances the creamy mozzarella perfectly.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Their juicy sweetness brightens things up and gives lovely pops of color.
Red onion (thinly sliced): For a touch of sharpness and crunch, plus a beautiful visual contrast.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like a gentle kick to complement the pesto.
Fresh basil leaves: Tossed on at the end, they bring a burst of freshness and gorgeous green flair.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle finishes things off, making everything golden and bringing the flavors together.

How to Make Pesto Flatbread Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key for getting that flatbread base nice and crisp, and it helps the cheese bubble and brown perfectly. While the oven preheats, gather your ingredients and set up your workspace—it only takes a couple of minutes to prepare the pizza.

Step 2: Assemble the Flatbread

Place your flatbread on a baking sheet or a pizza stone if you have one for even crisper results. Spread the basil pesto evenly all across the surface, allowing a little bare border around the edges for those classic, golden pizza “crusts.” That creamy green layer is really what sets Pesto Flatbread Pizza apart, so be generous!

Step 3: Layer the Cheeses

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto, making sure you get some all the way to the edges so every slice is gooey and delicious. A shower of grated Parmesan follows—just a quarter cup is enough to bring a lusciously salty tang that pairs so well with the pesto.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and thin red onion slices across the cheese. Their mild sweetness and crunch really enhance the pizza’s flavor and texture. If you want a little heat, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes. Finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil—this helps brown the edges and develops richer flavors all around.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly golden, and the edges of the flatbread will turn crisp and just a bit blistered. Stay close—you don’t want to overbake it!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

As soon as the Pesto Flatbread Pizza emerges from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves generously over the top for a final pop of color and flavor. Let it cool slightly (if you can resist!) before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Pesto Flatbread Pizza

Garnishes

A shower of fresh basil right after baking is non-negotiable—it’s what gives Pesto Flatbread Pizza that signature garden-bright aroma. You can also add a final grating of Parmesan or a swirl of extra pesto for even more flavor and an elegant finish. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze is also gorgeous for a slightly sweet tang!

Side Dishes

Pair your Pesto Flatbread Pizza with a crisp green salad, lightly dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, or a citrusy arugula salad for a complete meal. Roasted veggies, minestrone soup, or even a simple bowl of marinated olives make perfect companions. It’s a flexible main course that works with whatever you’re craving.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Pesto Flatbread Pizza into strips or squares for an addictive finger food at parties, or serve it on a wooden board with bowls of extra pesto, chili oil, or herbed ricotta for dipping. For family-style dinners, combine several different flatbreads (white, wheat, or even gluten-free) with an array of toppings so everyone can pick their favorite combination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a few slices left over (not always easy!), simply let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The Pesto Flatbread Pizza will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for future snacking or a speedy lunch.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled slices on a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. The slices can be stored for up to a month this way. You can even freeze the unbaked assembled pizza—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Pesto Flatbread Pizza in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 8 minutes to restore its crisp edges and gooey cheese, or use a toaster oven for a quick fix. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the crispiness. For ultimate flavor, add a few fresh basil leaves right after reheating!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto brings a fresh, customizable flavor that takes this Pesto Flatbread Pizza to the next level. If you have an abundance of basil, toss it in the blender with olive oil, nuts, garlic, and cheese for a zingy, personal touch.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free flatbread (plenty are available at most grocery stores) and you can enjoy all the zesty, herby goodness of Pesto Flatbread Pizza without worry.

What other toppings work well on Pesto Flatbread Pizza?

This pizza is a blank slate for your favorites—sliced black olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even thin strips of prosciutto work beautifully. If you eat meat, adding grilled chicken is a fantastic and hearty addition.

Can I use naan or pita instead of traditional flatbread?

Definitely! Naan and pita are both perfect for making Pesto Flatbread Pizza and will crisp up nicely in the oven. They’re my quick fix when flatbread isn’t on hand.

How do I prevent the flatbread from getting soggy?

Spread the pesto in a thin, even layer and bake at a high temperature—this helps keep the crust crisp. Preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet is another great trick to ensure the base stays sturdy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a speedy weeknight meal or a dazzling party appetizer, Pesto Flatbread Pizza never disappoints. Its bright flavors, ease of preparation, and endless customizable options mean it’ll find a place in your regular rotation. Give it a try—you’ll discover just how simple and fun it is to make this colorful, flavor-packed pizza at home!

Pesto Flatbread Pizza Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delicious Pesto Flatbread Pizza bursting with fresh flavors and gooey cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or weekend treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Flatbread:

1 large store-bought or homemade flatbread

Pesto:

1/2 cup basil pesto

Cheeses:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings:

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Others:

1 teaspoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare Flatbread: Place the flatbread on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Add Pesto: Spread basil pesto evenly over the flatbread, leaving a border around the edges.
Layer Cheeses: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pesto.
Add Toppings: Distribute cherry tomatoes, red onion, and red pepper flakes over the cheese.
Bake: Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.