Homemade Pesto Pizza Recipe: Green Goodness on Dough

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and love the bold flavors of pesto sauce, then you must try pesto pizza. This delicious dish perfectly blends the classic ingredients of pizza with the vibrant essence of pesto sauce, creating a culinary experience that is both rich and refreshing.

Imagine biting into a warm slice of pizza, topped with melted cheese and basil’s fresh, aromatic flavor. Each bite of pesto pizza is perfectly balanced with flavors, and the creaminess of the cheese perfectly complements the pesto sauce’s boldness. Whether looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, pesto pizza will become a new favorite.

Ingredients

For the Basil Pesto

• 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons of pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 small cloves of garlic
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pizza

• Homemade pizza dough or one lb. store-bought
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of cornmeal
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions For the Pesto

1. Using a food processor in a mixing bowl, pulse the fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic until finely chopped.
2. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is blended and relatively smooth.
3. Taste and adjust with pepper, salt, or lemon juice as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use. This yields just over 1/2 cup of pesto.

To Assemble and Bake the Pizza

1. Preheat the pizza oven to 475°F (246°C) and allow it to preheat for at least 15–20 minutes.
2. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
3. Grease the pizza pan with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and lightly sprinkle it with cornmeal for added crunch and flavor.
4. Shape the pizza dough and punch down the homemade dough to remove any air bubbles.
5. On a floured surface, gently flatten the dough into a 12-inch circle. Create a raised edge around the edges to form the crust.
6. Place the dough on a baker’s peel dusted with cornmeal if using a pizza stone.
7. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes, then proceed with the toppings.
8. Push dents into the dough’s surface to prevent bubbling, then brush the remaining olive oil over it.
9. Spread 1/2 cup of pesto evenly over the dough. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
10. Bake pesto pizza for 14–15 minutes until the crust pizza is golden brown.
11. Remove the pesto pizza from the oven, and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top.
12. Slice and serve the hot pizza immediately.

Pesto Pizza Recipe Variations

While we adore the classic pesto pizza recipe, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your taste. Here are some exciting variations to consider:

1. Tomato Swap: Substitute roasted tomatoes with oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for a quick twist.
2. Extra Veggies: To give it a vegetable pizza touch, load up your pizza with tiny broccoli florets, fresh corn kernels, shaved red onions, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach leaves, or roasted garlic for added flavor and texture.
3. More Cheese: After baking, generously sprinkle freshly grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick.
4. Different Pesto: Experiment with varying pesto variations, like kale pesto, for a unique flavor profile.

Freezing Pesto Pizza

To freeze, refer to the homemade pizza dough recipe for guidance on freezing the dough. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled pizza or individual pizza slices.

Wrap pesto pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap and place the wrapped pizza slices in a freezer-safe container or bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating Pesto Pizza

To reheat cold pizza, microwave it or cover it with aluminum foil and bake it on a lined baking sheet or pizza pan in a 350°F (204°C) oven until heated. It takes 10 minutes for slices and 15–20 minutes for a whole pizza. Enjoy your pizza as if it were freshly baked!

Conclusion

Pesto pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that offers flavor and freshness with each bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with various toppings and cheese combinations, pesto pizza is a versatile and satisfying dish for pizza lovers of all tastes and dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pesto pizza?

Pesto pizza is a type of pizza that incorporates pesto sauce as a primary ingredient. It typically consists of a pizza dough base, a layer of pesto sauce, a generous mozzarella cheese, and various optional toppings like tomatoes, olives, or additional vegetables.

Can I use store-bought pesto sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto sauce to save time. However, making homemade pesto allows more control over the ingredients and flavors, resulting in a fresher and more personalized taste.

What type of cheese is best for pesto pizza?

Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for pesto pizza; you can experiment with other options like provolone, feta, or goat cheese for unique flavors.