Pesto Pizza Recipe

If you are looking for a vibrant and utterly delicious twist on classic pizza, this Pesto Pizza Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been craving. Bursting with fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a luscious homemade pesto sauce, this dish offers a beautiful balance of bright herbal notes, gooey cheese, and a perfectly crisp crust. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, combining simple, fresh ingredients into a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Pesto Pizza Recipe requires just a handful of key ingredients, each one playing an essential role in crafting that iconic Italian flavor and perfect texture. From fresh basil to creamy mozzarella cheese, every component adds its own special touch to the final masterpiece.

• Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, 30g): The heart of the pesto, giving your pizza a fragrant and vibrant green punch.
• Pine nuts (3 tablespoons, 24g): These add a subtle nuttiness and creamy texture when blended into the pesto.
• Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons, 12g): Freshly grated for salty, savory depth and richness.
• Garlic (2 small cloves): Adds a gentle zing that brings your pesto to life.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons, plus 1 tablespoon divided): A silky binder for your pesto and to brush on the dough for a perfect golden crust.
• Fresh lemon juice (½ teaspoon): Brightens the pesto, balancing the richness with a hint of acidity.
• Salt (⅛ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to amplify the fresh flavors.
• Pizza dough (½ recipe homemade or 1 lb store-bought): The base that holds all your scrumptious toppings together.
• Cornmeal (1 tablespoon, 8g): Prevents sticking and adds a delicate crunch underneath the crust.
• Mozzarella cheese (1½ cups, 6 ounces or 180g shredded): A luscious, melty layer that complements the pesto perfectly.
• Cherry tomatoes (½ cup, 75g, halved or sliced, optional): Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
• Fresh basil (¼ cup, 12g, chopped): For a final fresh herbaceous flourish on top.
• Optional garnishes: Extra pesto, parmesan, and red pepper flakes add personality and zing to your finished pizza.

How to Make Pesto Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Make the Pesto

Start by pulsing the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Gradually stream in olive oil while the processor runs, which creates that silky texture synonymous with classic pesto. Then add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and give it one last pulse. Refrigerate the pesto while you prepare the rest of the pizza to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

If you’re going the homemade route, prepare your pizza dough according to your favorite recipe. Otherwise, grab a store-bought dough and let it come to room temperature for easier handling. Preheat your oven to a toasty 475°F, grease a baking sheet lightly, then sprinkle it with cornmeal. This step prevents sticking and adds a delightful crunch to your crust’s base.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Divide the dough as needed and gently flatten it on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Create a slight rim by pinching up the edges—this charming crust border will help contain all that delicious pesto and melty cheese as it bakes.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Brush the dough’s surface lightly with olive oil for that irresistible golden bake. Spread a generous layer of your homemade pesto over the dough, followed by an even blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese. Nestle the halved cherry tomatoes on top if you’re using them, and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to tie everything together.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 14 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. When you take it out, sprinkle chopped fresh basil for that last luxurious pop of herbal freshness. Slice it up and get ready for pure pizza bliss.

How to Serve Pesto Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

While your Pesto Pizza Recipe already sings with flavor, adding a drizzle of extra pesto or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese right before serving adds a delightful burst of taste and a gorgeous finish. A light dusting of red pepper flakes can also offer a playful kick, perfect for friends who enjoy a little heat.

Side Dishes

This pizza stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with fresh, crisp salads or a bowl of warm soup can make your meal feel extra special and balanced. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a chilled cucumber salad complements the herbaceous pesto flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, consider slicing your pizza into small squares to serve at a casual gathering or party—it makes for perfect finger food. Another fun idea is to add dollops of ricotta cheese after baking for a creamy contrast or to serve alongside an antipasto platter to explore a full Italian-inspired spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any pizza left, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It remains best eaten within two days when kept refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the pesto sauce separately in small containers or ice cube trays for up to three months. While freezing the fully assembled pizza is possible, it’s best done before baking—wrap it well and thaw completely before baking to preserve the crust texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat your Pesto Pizza Recipe without sacrificing crispness, use a skillet on medium heat or an oven set to 375°F. This method brings back the crunch in the crust while melting the cheese again, avoiding the dreaded soggy microwave effect.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, a good-quality store-bought pesto will work wonderfully and save time. Just spread it generously and enjoy the same delicious pizza experience.

What type of cheese works best for pesto pizza?

Mozzarella is the classic choice because of its meltability and mild flavor, but you can also experiment with fontina or provolone for different flavor profiles. Adding a sprinkle of parmesan on top is always a winner.

Is pine nut substitution okay in pesto?

Yes! If pine nuts are hard to find or too pricey, walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives. They provide a slightly different, but still delicious, nutty richness in the pesto.

How can I make the pizza crust extra crispy?

Using cornmeal on your baking sheet helps create a crunchy bottom crust. Additionally, preheating your oven and baking pizza on a hot pizza stone or steel can elevate that perfect crispiness even further.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap out the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free variety available at many stores or make your own gluten-free dough at home. The pesto and toppings remain equally delicious on any crust.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Pizza Recipe is pure joy on a plate—bright, fresh, and packed with flavor that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a fun get-together, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that celebrates the best of simple ingredients. Trust me, once you try this recipe, pesto pizza will become one of your all-time favorites to make and share.

Pesto Pizza Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This vibrant Pesto Pizza recipe features a flavorful homemade basil pesto spread over a thin, crispy pizza crust, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a homemade Italian-inspired meal, it combines fragrant herbs, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings baked to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

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Pesto

• 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 Dough

• 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon (8g) cornmeal

Toppings

• 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

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Instructions

1. Make the Pesto: Pulse the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the mixture while pulsing until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Dough and Oven: Prepare your homemade pizza dough or use store-bought dough. Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). Grease a baking sheet lightly with olive oil and sprinkle it evenly with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add texture to the crust.
3. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough if using the homemade recipe and flatten it on the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a 12-inch diameter circle with a slightly raised rim around the edges to hold toppings during baking.
4. Top the Pizza: Brush the surface of the dough generously with half of the olive oil. Spread the prepared pesto evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto, add halved cherry tomatoes if using, and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top of the pizza. Optionally, garnish with extra pesto, parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes. Slice the pizza and serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or prepare homemade dough for a fresher taste.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice in the pesto according to your preference.
• Cherry tomatoes add a sweet and juicy contrast; omit if desired for a simpler pizza.
• Using cornmeal on the baking sheet helps achieve a crispier crust.
• The pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven to maintain the crispiness of the crust.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian