Name: Pesto Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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If you’re searching for a vibrant, craveable twist on classic pizza, you absolutely have to try this Pesto Pizza. Its golden, chewy crust is topped with a luxurious layer of bright basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, tangy Parmesan, and bursts of juicy cherry tomatoes, all finished with a shower of fresh basil leaves. Every bite is a harmony of herby, cheesy goodness that will transport you straight to a sunny Italian patio. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering, this Pesto Pizza is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pesto Pizza is built on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. By focusing on quality—from your favorite dough to the bold basil pesto and the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes—you’ll get a pizza that bursts with flavor, color, and irresistible aroma.

Pizza dough: The foundation for a chewy, crisp base—feel free to use store-bought or homemade for ultimate convenience or custom flair.
Basil pesto: The heart and soul of this pizza, lending vibrant color and big herbaceous flavor; homemade or high-quality jarred pesto both work beautifully.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that essential gooey, melty stretch we all crave in pizza.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, salty richness that perfectly balances the basil undertones.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: Add juicy sweetness and pops of color that roast up beautifully in the oven.
Red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a bit of zippy crunch and lovely mild sharpness with each bite.
Olive oil: A light drizzle helps everything sizzle and meld together deliciously.
Salt and pepper: Enhances flavors and brings out all the nuanced notes of the toppings.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A flourish of garden-fresh basil makes every slice even more fragrant and elegant.

How to Make Pesto Pizza

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by cranking your oven up to 475°F for that perfect, pizzeria-style crispiness. If you have a pizza stone, pop it in the oven while it preheats for an extra-crunchy bottom. If not, don’t worry! A baking sheet lined with parchment will give great results too.

Step 2: Shape Your Dough

Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness and shape—circle or rectangle, both are equally delicious. This is your chance to make it thick and chewy or thin and crisp, just the way you love it.

Step 3: Add the Basil Pesto

Carefully transfer your rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Now, spread a generous, even layer of basil pesto over the dough, leaving a narrow border around the edges for that beautiful pizza crust. The aroma alone at this step is pure magic!

Step 4: Top with Cheeses

Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the pesto, followed by the sharp, nutty Parmesan. The dual cheeses combine for melty, bubbly perfection that caramelizes just right in the oven.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Drizzle

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and red onion slices across your pizza. These veggies not only add flavor but also create little pockets of juicy, roasted sweetness. Drizzle everything lightly with olive oil, and finish with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the pizza into your hot oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch for a perfectly golden crust, bubbling cheese, and edges that get just a little crisp. The anticipation as those scents waft through your kitchen is part of the fun!

Step 7: Finish and Slice

Once baked, let your Pesto Pizza cool for just a minute so everything sets slightly. Then, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Slice and get ready for the ultimate bite!

How to Serve Pesto Pizza

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of torn basil leaves, or even a light zesting of lemon can take your Pesto Pizza from excellent to unforgettable. Drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving lends a silky finish and amps up the flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pesto Pizza with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A bowl of tangy marinated olives or a simple tomato salad complements the pizza’s rich and savory notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your pizza into squares for a fun appetizer tray, or add cooked chicken, artichoke hearts, or olives before baking for a heartier main course. For parties, serve with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy aioli or garlic yogurt for an interactive, crowd-pleasing meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftover Pesto Pizza, place slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, use wax or parchment paper between layers of pizza slices.

Freezing

You can freeze fully baked Pesto Pizza by cooling it completely, slicing, and wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store the wrapped slices in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. This makes impromptu pizza cravings a breeze to satisfy!

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes—this helps the crust crisp up while the cheese becomes gooey again. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the pizza’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly for Pesto Pizza and saves time on busy nights. If you do have time, homemade pesto gives a fresh, custom touch, but it’s not essential for a delicious result.

What’s the best way to get a really crisp crust?

Using a preheated pizza stone will help achieve a super-crispy crust. Alternatively, you can pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 3–5 minutes before adding toppings, which prevents sogginess and gives you that satisfyingly crisp bite.

Can I make this Pesto Pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. All other ingredients are gluten-free, so with the right dough, everyone can enjoy this pizza worry-free.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative—add cooked chicken, artichoke hearts, olives, roasted garlic, or even a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina. Pesto Pizza is a wonderful canvas for your favorite flavors and pantry finds.

How do I keep the basil leaves from wilting?

Add fresh basil leaves after the pizza comes out of the oven so the heat softens them without making them disappear. Give them a quick tear or chop right before garnishing for the most aromatic effect.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Pizza is pure joy on a plate—from the zesty pesto sauce to the melty cheese and garden-fresh toppings, every slice is brimming with flavor. Give it a try, have fun with the toppings, and share it with your favorite people. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Pesto Pizza Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delicious flavors of this homemade Pesto Pizza that features a perfect harmony of basil pesto, gooey cheeses, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs on a crispy crust. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Pesto:

1/2 cup basil pesto

Cheeses:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings:

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Additional:

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a baking sheet.
Add toppings: Spread pesto on the dough, top with cheeses, tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle with olive oil, season, and bake.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with basil leaves, slice, and enjoy!