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Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza Recipe

Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza Recipe

Enjoy a delightful Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza with fresh basil, garlic, and creamy mozzarella in just under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 slices
Course: DINNER RECIPES
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pesto
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese freshly grated for better flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic or roasted garlic for milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup olive oil high quality
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pizza Base
  • 1 package homemade pizza dough or store-bought
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tbsp cornmeal
Toppings
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup extra pesto for garnish, optional
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • blender
  • Baking sheet
  • pizza peel

Method
 

How to Make Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza
  1. Blend the Pesto: Start by adding fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into a blender. Pulse until smooth.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  3. Prepare the Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface until 12 inches in diameter.
  4. Grease the Dough: Brush one tablespoon of olive oil over the surface of the dough.
  5. Sprinkle Cornmeal: Lightly sprinkle cornmeal onto your pizza peel or baking sheet.
  6. Spread the Pesto: Transfer the dough to the peel or sheet and spread pesto over the surface, leaving a border.
  7. Add Toppings: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and optional cherry tomatoes.
  8. Bake the Pizza: Slide pizza into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.
  9. Garnish Delightfully: Remove pizza from oven and sprinkle with basil, extra pesto, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
  10. Slice and Serve: Let cool for a minute, then slice and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Add arugula on top for an extra peppery kick.

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