Fresh and full of flavor, this Pesto Pizza is simple, yet packs a flavor punch. It is simple and quick to make, and is a great use for your summer produce bounty.
Save some of that pesto to make this Chicken Pesto Pasta or these Roasted Tomatoes with Pesto.
It’s no secret that we are pizza lovers here at Taste and Tell. And while my kids will choose a pepperoni pizza most of the time, I am more about the pizza where you have only a few ingredients – but where they really shine. Like a Margherita Pizza. Or a Caprese Pizza.
Simplicity is one reason I am absolutely in love with this pesto pizza. Pizza dough, fresh pesto, cheese, and tomatoes if you want them. This pizza screams summertime, and I am definitely here for it.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: I always use my homemade pizza dough recipe. If you want to use a store bought dough, you totally can, though.
- Pesto: I like to use homemade pesto, but store bought can also be used.
- Mozzarella: Since this pizza is super simple, I like to use a fresh mozzarella. But you can also use a block of mozzarella and shred it. I would suggest using freshly grated cheese, though, as the bagged shredded cheese does not melt as well.
- Tomatoes: These are totally optional! I like to use grape or cherry tomatoes, but this pizza is equally delicious without the tomatoes.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These are also optional. I like the little bit of heat that they bring, so I like to add them.
- Parmesan: I like to add a little bit of finely grated Parmesan cheese – usually only a tablespoon or two.
- Basil: A bit of fresh basil to top of the finished pizza brings in a bit of freshness.
How to Make Pesto Pizza
STEP 1: Stretch or roll out your pizza dough to approximately 12 inches in diameter. I like to do this on parchment paper, but you can also do this on a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
STEP 2: Spread the pesto over the pizza, leaving about a 1/2 inch border. Top this with the mozzarella cheese.
STEP 3: Add the tomatoes to the top. I like to add them cut side up because I like the way they cook better this way, but you can just throw them on, as well.
STEP 4: Sprinkle on the red pepper flakes and the parmesan cheese. Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden. Once it comes out of the oven, add the fresh basil.
Tips and Tricks
If you are using homemade pesto, I like to make sure I make it a good spreading consistency so that it goes onto the pizza easily.
If you want to add tomatoes but don’t have grape tomatoes, you can always slice tomatoes and add them. I do like to try to get rid of as much moisture as possible on the tomatoes if I’m using sliced tomatoes, though. They tend to be wetter and will make the pizza wetter.
For all of my pizza making tips, make sure to check out my homemade pizza dough post.
Change it Up
The beauty of this pizza is its simplicity. But it can also easily be customized. Try some of these suggestions if you are wanting to change things up.
- Use smoked mozzarella instead of regular mozzarella.
- Add ribbons of prosciutto.
- Top the finished pizza with arugula dressing with olive oil and vinegar.
- Skip the grape tomatoes and add sun dried tomatoes.
- Instead of mozzarella, use goat cheese or dollops of ricotta cheese.
More Pizza Recipes
Hawaiian Pizza
Mediterranean Pizza
White Pizza Recipe
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Pesto Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough*
- 3 tablespoons pesto homemade or store bought
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella
- 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half
- Red pepper flakes
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil torn or julienned
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475ºF. (If using a pizza stone, place the stone in the oven and preheat for at least 30 minutes.)
- Stretch or roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. (I like to use parchment paper – you can see all of my pizza tips on my pizza dough recipe post.)
- Spread the pesto evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edge. Top with the mozzarella, then the tomatoes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if using, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the fresh basil over the top.
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