Description
This vibrant Pesto Pizza recipe features a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza dough base brushed with flavorful basil pesto, topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and finished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Baked to perfection in a hot oven, it’s a fresh and delicious take on a classic favorite, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough and Base
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
- 1 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough
For the Toppings
- ½ cup basil pesto (made with olive oil)
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn
- Roasted cherry tomatoes (or sun-dried tomatoes), quantity about ½ cup
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F (260°C) and allow it to fully heat up to ensure a crisp crust.
- Prepare and partially bake the dough: Lightly dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Place the pizza dough on the baking sheet and stretch it into a large oval shape. Use a fork to poke holes evenly across the dough to help prevent bubbles during baking. Bake the dough for 5 minutes to set the crust.
- Add toppings and continue baking: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Brush 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the crust. Scatter the torn fresh mozzarella and roasted cherry tomatoes on top. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Once out of the oven, add small dollops of remaining pesto over the pizza. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste. Slice and serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful pizza experience.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pesto to save time, or homemade pesto with fresh basil and olive oil for enhanced flavor.
- To roast cherry tomatoes, toss them in olive oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
- This pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven to savor the melty cheese and aromatic herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pesto Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Basil Pesto, Mozzarella Pizza, Roasted Cherry Tomato Pizza, Italian Pizza Recipe
