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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
