Blackberry Basil Pizza is an irresistible twist on classic pizza that brings together tangy blackberries, fragrant basil, and creamy cheeses all on a golden, chewy crust. It’s bold, colorful, and wonderfully unexpected—the kind of dish that has guests leaning in for “just one more” slice. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a casual brunch, or an appetizer that wows at a summer gathering, this pizza thrills your senses with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, contrast, and eye-catching color. With quality, simple staples, Blackberry Basil Pizza is easy to put together and impossible to forget.
- Pizza dough: The chewy, crisp foundation that carries all the delicious toppings; use homemade or your favorite store-bought!
- Olive oil: A gentle brush adds richness and helps encourage a beautifully golden crust.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, ricotta creates a cloudlike base for the toppings.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melted mozzarella adds that classic stretchy texture we all crave on pizza.
- Blackberries: Fresh blackberries bring bursts of sweet-tart juiciness and vibrant color—halve the big ones.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn basil leaves add herbal, aromatic freshness that completely elevates each bite.
- Honey: A delicate drizzle after baking adds luscious sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, sprinkle on top just before serving!
How to Make Blackberry Basil Pizza
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Pizza Stone
Start by firing up your oven to 475°F and slide in your pizza stone or baking sheet as it heats up. Getting that surface nice and hot is key for a crisp, golden base—the secret to perfect Blackberry Basil Pizza every time.
Step 2: Shape and Prep the Dough
Dust your counter with flour, then roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. If you like a crispy bite, go thinner; for chewy, opt for a slightly thicker round. Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper—it makes moving the pizza onto the hot stone hassle-free!
Step 3: Brush, Spread, and Sprinkle
Gently brush the dough with olive oil, getting right up to the edges for a gorgeous, golden crust. Spread the ricotta cheese in an even layer, leaving a small border. Sprinkle mozzarella over the ricotta for that gooey, classic pizza melt, then artfully scatter blackberries across the pie. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Using the parchment, carefully transfer your pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling with anticipation. The blackberries will glisten and soften, their juices mingling with the cheeses.
Step 5: Finish with Basil and Honey
Once your Blackberry Basil Pizza emerges from the oven, immediately shower it with torn basil leaves for a burst of herbal aroma. Drizzle honey over the top for a glossy sheen and a hint of sweetness that ties every flavor together. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is the perfect optional accent if you crave a little heat. Slice, serve warm, and prepare for applause!
How to Serve Blackberry Basil Pizza
Garnishes
A finishing flourish takes Blackberry Basil Pizza to the next level. Extra fresh basil leaves, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, an extra drizzle of honey, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts are all fair game. Don’t be afraid to get creative—those final touches make every slice even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or a platter of marinated olives and roasted almonds for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. For brunch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or chilled prosecco for a sparkling touch—it’s a conversation starter, guaranteed!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Blackberry Basil Pizza into bite-sized squares for a stunning appetizer platter, or serve it family-style on a rustic wooden board with extra basil and blackberries scattered around. It also makes an eye-catching main when paired with summery salads—perfect for a breezy alfresco dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely, then store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making for a delightful next-day lunch.
Freezing
To save Blackberry Basil Pizza for later, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When the craving strikes, you’ll have homemade pizza ready at a moment’s notice!
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or a hot skillet for a few minutes to revive that crisp crust and gooey cheese. Avoid the microwave if possible—it softens the crust more than we like.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for Blackberry Basil Pizza?
You can, but fresh is best. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture on the pizza, which can make the crust soggy.
What’s the best way to make my dough extra crispy?
Preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet, rolling the dough a bit thinner, and baking at a high temperature will give you that satisfyingly crisp base. Brushing the edges with olive oil also helps.
Can I substitute goat cheese for ricotta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese adds a lovely tang and creaminess. If you love bolder flavors, try half ricotta and half goat cheese for the best of both worlds.
Is Blackberry Basil Pizza suitable for kids?
Yes, most kids are charmed by the fruity, cheesy combo. If they’re sensitive to basil or honey, you can serve their slices plain and customize adult portions with the extra toppings.
Can I grill Blackberry Basil Pizza instead of baking?
Grilling is a fantastic idea! Just be sure to oil the grill grates and use parchment for easier transfer. The grill gives the crust a wonderful smoky flavor and great texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Blackberry Basil Pizza, now’s the time—every slice promises a pop of juicy, herby, creamy goodness that instantly brightens up your table. It’s a conversation piece, a crowd-pleaser, and one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a go, share it with friends, and see how quickly it disappears!
Print
Blackberry Basil Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 medium pizza (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this delightful blackberry basil pizza. This unique pizza features a mix of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, juicy blackberries, fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey, all atop a crispy crust. It’s a flavor explosion that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup blackberries (halved if large)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Roll out the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.
- Prepare the pizza: Brush the dough with olive oil. Spread ricotta cheese, mozzarella, blackberries, salt, and pepper over the dough.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Top with torn basil, a drizzle of honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap ricotta for goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
- This pizza is versatile and works well as an appetizer, brunch item, or light dinner alongside a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
