Imagine the intoxicating aroma of fresh basil, golden mozzarella, and warm, bubbling cheese straight from the oven—this Pesto Pizza is a vibrant twist on classic pizza night that will quickly become your household favorite. With a crisp yet chewy crust, zippy basil pesto as the sauce, and colorful toppings, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re livening up a weeknight or sharing laughs with friends, Pesto Pizza infuses every slice with pure joy and bright Italian flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the secret here: each ingredient in this Pesto Pizza plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. Gather these kitchen basics and a few fresh touches, and you’ll have everything you need for a masterpiece.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation of your Pesto Pizza—homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s pliable and fresh.
- Basil pesto (1/2 cup): The bold, herby heart of the dish; use your favorite jarred brand or whip up a quick batch from scratch for ultra-bright flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gorgeous pools for dreamy cheese pulls with every bite.
- Grated Parmesan (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick that intensifies the pesto’s freshness.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Bursts of sweetness and vibrant color that balance the rich cheeses.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced, optional): A subtle bite and pretty pop of purple; skip if you prefer a milder flavor or try swapping for shallots.
- Pine nuts (2 tablespoons, optional): Toast for extra crunch and an unmistakable Mediterranean touch.
- Olive oil (for brushing): A simple brush gives the crust glossy color and hint of richness as it bakes.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Shower on top for fresh, peppery aroma and a classic Italian finish.
How to Make Pesto Pizza
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 475°F (245°C), and if you have one, pop a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet inside to get nice and hot. A sizzling hot surface is the trick for mimicking a real pizzeria’s crispy base at home. While the oven preheats, get your ingredients ready—this will streamline the rest of the process.
Step 2: Shape the Pizza Dough
Lightly dust your countertop with flour, then roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If you don’t have a rolling pin, gently stretch the dough with your hands, working from the center outward. Don’t worry too much about a perfectly round shape—rustic edges give homemade Pesto Pizza its charm!
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Move your rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper—it makes transferring so much easier. Brush the exposed crust edge with a little olive oil for a beautiful golden finish. Now, spoon the basil pesto over the center and spread it evenly, leaving a border uncovered to create that irresistible pizza edge.
Step 4: Pile On Toppings
Next, evenly scatter your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan across the pesto, making sure each bite gets a cheesy blend. Tuck the cherry tomato halves into the cheese, sprinkle over those paper-thin red onion slices, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, finish with a handful of pine nuts for crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfect Bubbly Goodness
Using a pizza peel or the edges of your parchment paper, transfer the pizza to your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese has melted into delicious, bubbly pools. Every oven is a little different, so peek in towards the end to hit your perfect level of doneness.
Step 6: Top and Slice
Once your Pesto Pizza looks irresistible and the kitchen is filled with a basil-cloud aroma, pull it from the oven. Immediately garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for brightness. Slice it up while piping hot and get ready for happy faces around your table!
How to Serve Pesto Pizza
Garnishes
Just before serving, I love to sprinkle on extra fresh basil, a few shavings of Parmesan, and maybe a drizzle of quality olive oil. The basil perfumes every slice and the olive oil adds a final glossy sheen—a true feast for eyes and taste buds!
Side Dishes
Pesto Pizza pairs perfectly with simple sides. Try a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of marinated olives. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a zesty Italian chopped salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Slicing your Pesto Pizza into thin strips makes it an elegant appetizer for parties, or serve as mini pizzettes using individual-sized dough balls. Want a show-stopping finish? Scatter edible flowers or microgreens over each slice for a gourmet flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Pesto Pizza cool completely, then wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, they’ll stay tasty for up to three days.
Freezing
Pesto Pizza freezes surprisingly well! After cooling, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container, and you’ll have a stress-free meal ready for up to one month.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, reheat slices in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbling again. Skip the microwave if you can—the oven crisps the crust back up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and works wonderfully. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping—it’s much easier to stretch and less likely to spring back.
What’s the best way to keep the crust crisp?
Baking on a preheated pizza stone or hot baking sheet is key! This blast of heat from below gives Pesto Pizza that golden, crisp base. Avoid overloading with sauce or wet toppings, as they can lead to a soggy crust.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough for the regular dough. All other components are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your pesto ingredients or opt for homemade to be safe.
What proteins can I add for a heartier pizza?
You can easily bulk up your Pesto Pizza by adding cooked chicken, a few slices of prosciutto, or some marinated artichoke hearts. Layer them over the cheese before baking for the best texture.
Can I use a different cheese or add more veggies?
Definitely! Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a new spin, or top with seasonal veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. The beauty of homemade Pesto Pizza is its endless versatility.
Final Thoughts
Ready to elevate your pizza night? Making Pesto Pizza is honestly as fun as it is delicious, and it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for gatherings, date nights, or quick weeknight meals. Try it yourself—the bright flavors and gorgeous colors will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Print
Pesto Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Pesto Pizza with this easy recipe. A crispy crust topped with fragrant basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and fresh cherry tomatoes, this pizza is a flavor explosion!
Ingredients
Pizza:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- olive oil for brushing
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface, transfer to parchment paper, brush with olive oil.
- Add toppings: Spread pesto, cheeses, cherry tomatoes, onion, and pine nuts on the dough.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with basil leaves, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, prosciutto, or artichoke hearts for extra toppings.
- For a crispier crust, bake directly on a pizza stone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
