Name: Pesto Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Few things in life capture the beauty of simplicity quite like a hot, bubbling slice of pizza bursting with the flavors of basil, cheese, and tomatoes. This Pesto Pizza Recipe takes all the best things about classic Italian pizza but gives them a vibrant twist with a generous layer of fragrant basil pesto. Each bite delivers a melody of creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a punch of Parmesan, all atop a crisp yet chewy crust. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for a weekend gathering, this pizza is the kind of dish folks remember and request time after time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pesto Pizza Recipe is how it transforms a few basic ingredients into something truly memorable. Every element here plays a purposeful role—whether it’s the chewy dough, the herby pesto, or the finishing sprinkle of basil. Don’t skip on quality; with so few ingredients, every bite counts!

Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation for your pizza—homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s elastic and fresh for the best texture.
Basil pesto (1/2 cup): This is the star of the show; use homemade for a deeply fresh flavor, but high-quality store-bought works in a pinch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Go for whole milk mozzarella if you can—the result is melty, stringy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): These provide sweet bursts of juiciness that perfectly balance out the pesto’s richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): A finishing dusting of Parm brings an irresistible nutty and salty kick to every bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Drizzling just before serving gives your crust shine and a welcome hint of richness.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you like things a little zippy, this touch of heat is the perfect way to ignite your taste buds.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Don’t skip this step! That spark of fresh basil takes the whole Pesto Pizza Recipe from great to unforgettable.

How to Make Pesto Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven the Right Way

For a truly crispy and chewy base, crank your oven to 475°F (245°C) and let a pizza stone or baking sheet heat up inside. This gives your crust that irresistible, golden finish. If you skip preheating the pan, you might end up with a sad, soggy bottom—but we want pizza perfection!

Step 2: Shaping and Transferring the Dough

Lightly dust a clean surface with flour, then roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Work gently: you want the dough to stay airy and not get too thin in the middle. Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper (trust me, this makes moving it to your hot oven a breeze).

Step 3: Layer on the Goodness

Spread the basil pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for that classic pizza edge. This is what makes your Pesto Pizza Recipe shine! Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, and give everything a confident final flourish of grated Parmesan.

Step 4: It’s Pizza Time—Bake!

With oven mitts, carefully transfer the parchment paper and pizza onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and the crust has turned golden and gorgeous.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Out of the oven, drizzle your pizza with olive oil to add shine and depth. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings a gentle kick, but you can skip this if you’re not a fan of heat. Finally, don’t forget a handful of fresh basil leaves right before serving. This not only looks stunning but makes every bite burst with freshness!

How to Serve Pesto Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way. I love to tear a few extra basil leaves by hand and scatter them over the hot pizza, letting the aroma fill the room. You can also add a pinch more of Parmesan for extra saltiness, or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy twist!

Side Dishes

Since this Pesto Pizza Recipe is lively and flavorful, think about sides that are simple and fresh. A tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, marinated olives, or a bowl of roasted vegetables all make wonderful pairings. If you’re feeling extra, offer a bowl of minestrone soup to start.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your pizza into small squares for pass-around party bites, or serve on a wooden board with bowls of extra pesto and crushed red pepper. For a fun twist, you can bake mini individual pizzas so everyone gets their own piping hot round! This recipe also makes a colorful appetizer for your next Italian-themed gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have a few slices left (which is rare!), let them cool completely and then tuck them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, still bursting with all those bright pesto flavors.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for later? Wrap individual slices of the Pesto Pizza Recipe tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to two months. This is a lifesaver for busy nights or last-minute guests.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat leftover pizza in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes. The crust will stay crisp, the cheese gets gooey again, and your kitchen will fill with that irresistible pizza aroma!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this Pesto Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto will always have a special freshness, store-bought pesto (especially from the refrigerated section) is a huge time saver and still delivers plenty of flavor.

What kind of dough works best for Pesto Pizza Recipe?

Regular white pizza dough is traditional, but feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free dough to suit your needs. The most important thing is that it’s fresh and allowed to come to room temperature before rolling out.

How do I keep my pizza from getting soggy?

Preheating your baking sheet or stone is key for a crisp bottom. Also, avoid using too much pesto or overloading with cheese and toppings—balance is everything for the perfect Pesto Pizza Recipe.

Can I add more toppings?

Certainly! While the recipe shines as is, feel free to add roasted veggies, thin slices of prosciutto, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein. Just remember not to overload, so your crust stays sturdy.

Is it possible to make this pizza vegan?

Yes, simply swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives, and make sure your pesto is dairy-free. You’ll wind up with an equally vibrant and tasty Pesto Pizza Recipe!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Pesto Pizza Recipe a try—whether for a cozy dinner, a crowd-pleasing party, or a lazy weekend lunch, it never fails to bring smiles to the table. There’s nothing better than sharing a slice (or two) of something so fresh, fragrant, and delightfully simple. Happy pizza-making, friend!

Pesto Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pesto Pizza recipe combines the fresh flavors of basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese on a crispy crust, creating a delightful meal for pizza lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 pound pizza dough

Basil Pesto:

1/2 cup basil pesto

Cheese:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Toppings:

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your 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 into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to parchment paper.
Add Toppings: Spread pesto on the dough, add mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Transfer the pizza on parchment to the preheated stone/sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with olive oil, add red pepper flakes, garnish with basil, and serve.