Pesto Pizza is a fun twist on traditional pizza. It’s swapping the usual tomato sauce for a flavorful basil pesto. It’s topped with fresh mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. It is perfect for a light and fresh dinner with the family.
The delicious and flavorful pesto adds flavor and the tomatoes pair perfectly with the creamy fresh mozarella cheese. It’s super easy to make and it’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or even to impress your friends at pizza night.
If you’re looking for something different try this delicious pizza, because it is always a hit!
Why I Love This Recipe?
I love this Italian pesto pizza because it’s super simple to make, and yet it’s packed with flavors. Homemade pesto really makes the pizza very delicious and full of flavor, and the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pair perfectly onto the crispy dough.
It’s also super easy to make it your own with your favorite toppings. And it doesn’t matter if it’s for a summer meal or a quick weeknight dinner, this pizza is always a winner!
Key Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for making the pizza dough soft and chewy. You can substitute with a whole wheat flour mix for a healthier option.
- Water: Warm water helps activate the yeast and make the dough rise.
- Yeast: Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly, giving it a light and airy texture.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and gives it that perfect golden color when baked.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough. Do not skip!
Toppings:
- Basil Pesto: Fresh basil pesto brings a punch of herby flavor to the pizza. You can use store-bought or make your own.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella adds creaminess to the pizza and melts beautifully.
- Tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pesto.
- Fresh Basil: Garnishes the pizza, adding a fresh, aromatic note.
- Olive Oil: Drizzled over the pizza before baking for a touch of richness.
Expert Tips
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes really make a difference. Using the freshest ingredients give the pizza the best flavor.
Stretch the Dough by Hand: Gently stretch the dough with your hands instead of rolling it out. This keeps the air bubbles intact, giving you a light and airy crust.
Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to a high temperature (about 475°F/250°C) for a crispy crust. If you have a pizza stone, use it for an even better result.
Roast the Tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes before adding them makes them sweeter and more flavorful. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for about 10 minutes—it’s worth the extra step!
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Change the mozzarella for vegan cheese and use a dairy free pesto for a completely vegan pizza.
- Kale Pesto: Try replacing the basil pesto with kale pesto or even sun-dried tomato pesto for a fun flavor twist.
- Additional Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Add sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or even spicy salami for extra variety.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pizza dough if you’re avoiding gluten—it works just as well!
How to Store?
If you have leftovers, you can store the pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to eat just reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving it because this can make the crust soggy.
How to Serve?
This pizza is best served fresh out of the oven, with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a light side salad or homemade garlic bread for a complete meal.
For a summer gathering, you could even serve it alongside some grilled vegetables or antipasto for an Italian-inspired feast.
Print
Pesto Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Description
This Pesto Pizza recipe is light, tasty, and bursting with flavor! With a crispy crust, creamy pesto, and gooey cheese, it’s a simple and satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add the flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (250°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat.
- Stretch the Dough: Roll out or stretch the dough by hand into a thin circle. Place it on a piece of parchment paper. (I recommend putting the raw dough into the oven for 5 minutes, without the toppings).
- Add the Toppings: Spread the pesto evenly over the dough. Top with fresh mozzarella slices and tomatoes.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes (or for 6 minutes if, the dough is pre baked) or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, par-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto works just as well. Just make sure to choose a good-quality pesto for the best flavor.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, artichokes, or spinach. For a meaty version, try adding grilled chicken or spicy sausage.
