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–+ servings
Pesto Pizza

Pesto Pizza

This vibrant Pesto Pizza combines fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and tangy cherry tomatoes for a deliciously easy weeknight dinner.
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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: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves the star of this recipe
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts add a rich taste; can substitute with walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese or pecorino for a sharper flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic roast for a milder sweetness
  • 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for brightness
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for a touch of heat
For the Pizza
  • 1 batch homemade pizza dough or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided) brush on before baking
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal prevents sticking
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or fresh mozzarella for a gourmet touch
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil for a garnish
Optional Garnishes
  • extra pesto for extra flavor
  • 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese for enhancing savory notes
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Pizza stone or baking sheet

Method
 

How to Make Pesto Pizza
  1. Prepare the pesto: Add fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to your food processor. Blend until smooth.
  2. Roll out the dough: Grab your pizza dough and roll it out to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
  3. Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle cornmeal evenly over the surface.
  4. Spread the pesto: Generously spread your freshly made pesto over the rolled-out dough.
  5. Add toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and halved cherry tomatoes over the pesto.
  6. Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in your preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes.
  7. Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Finish with optional garnishes like shredded parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Slice and serve while hot!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. Pizza can be frozen wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.

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