If you’re craving a pizza that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors yet remains incredibly simple to prepare, this Pesto Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the rich aroma of basil and garlic mingling with gooey melted mozzarella on a golden crust, creating a slice of pure comfort and joy. With homemade pesto as the star of the show, every bite delivers a perfect balance of herbal brightness, cheesy indulgence, and just the right hint of tanginess. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this Pesto Pizza Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and success of this recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, working together to craft the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color on your pizza.
- Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, 30g): The fragrant heart of your pesto, bringing a vibrant green color and herby freshness.
- Pine nuts (3 tablespoons, 24g): Adding a buttery crunch that deepens the pesto’s flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons, 12g): Provides a salty, nutty undertone that makes the pesto irresistibly savory.
- Garlic cloves (2 small): Packs a pungent punch that wakes up every bite.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon, 45ml + 15ml): Vital for a smooth pesto and for brushing the crust to a golden finish.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of brightness that balances the richness of the oil and cheese.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper: Essentials to enhance all the flavors evenly.
- Pizza dough (1/2 recipe homemade or 1 lb store-bought): The sturdy foundation, crispy on the edges yet soft and chewy inside.
- Cornmeal (1 tablespoon, 8g): Sprinkled on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and add a slight crunch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, 180g): The creamy, melty topping that everyone loves on pizza.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, 75g, optional): Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Chopped fresh basil (1/4 cup, 12g): A fresh, lively garnish to finish off the pizza beautifully.
- Optional garnishes: Extra pesto, a sprinkle of shredded parmesan, or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
How to Make Pesto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto
Start by pulsing together fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to achieve a smooth, luscious sauce. Place the pesto in the refrigerator to chill, letting the flavors meld and intensify while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Whether you’ve chosen a homemade dough or a good-quality store-bought one, preheat your oven to a toasty 475°F to ensure a crisp crust. Lightly grease a baking sheet and dust it with cornmeal — this little trick not only prevents sticking but adds a subtle crunch to the pizza base that’s just delightful.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Divide the dough if needed and flatten it on the baking sheet, shaping it into about a 12-inch circle. Be sure to create a slight rim around the edges to hold your delicious toppings securely. This step is where your pizza begins to take its inviting form, primed for all the layers of flavor that come next.
Step 4: Top the Pizza
Brush the dough’s surface lightly with olive oil, which helps develop a golden, crispy crust. Spread a generous layer of your freshly made pesto over the dough as the base sauce — this is where the magic truly starts to shine. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly, add halved cherry tomatoes if using, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Slide your creation into the oven and bake for about 14 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is beautifully golden. As soon as it comes out, scatter chopped fresh basil over the top to add a fresh, aromatic finish. This final touch elevates the pizza visually and flavor-wise, making it truly irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your pesto pizza while it’s still warm, inviting everyone to savor each mouthwatering piece. The combination of gooey mozzarella, vibrant pesto, and tender crust is nothing short of pure pizza perfection.
How to Serve Pesto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra pesto as a drizzle over the baked pizza or sprinkling some shredded parmesan right before serving amplifies the dish’s flavor and presentation. For those who love a bit of heat, red pepper flakes are an excellent option. Fresh basil leaves add an herbaceous pop and a lively touch of green that’s both fresh and visually pleasing.
Side Dishes
Pesto pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple side salad, like arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Roasted vegetables or a light antipasto plate with olives and marinated artichokes complement the rich flavors without overpowering the pizza, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pesto pizza as a communal dish on a rustic wooden board, allowing everyone to grab slices and toppings. You can also create personalized mini pesto pizzas using small dough rounds for a party or family gathering. Wrapping slices in parchment paper with a sprig of fresh basil adds a charming touch for casual dining or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pesto pizza left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To help preserve the texture of the crust, place parchment paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together. Leftovers are great for quick lunches or a late-night snack.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pesto pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza stays good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen using your oven.
Reheating
The best way to reheat pesto pizza is in the oven or a toaster oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, which helps maintain crispness and melts the cheese nicely. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this Pesto Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works well in a pinch and can save time. However, making your own pesto brings a fresher, more vibrant taste that really enhances the pizza’s flavors.
What type of cheese works best on pesto pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for its meltability and mild flavor, but you can also experiment with fontina, provolone, or even sprinkle some feta for a tangy twist.
Is it necessary to use pine nuts in the pesto?
Pine nuts are traditional and contribute a buttery richness, but you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you have them on hand. Each will bring a slightly different but delicious flavor.
Can I make the pizza gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the regular pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free dough recipe or store-bought gluten-free base. The pesto and toppings remain the same and just as delicious.
How long does it take to make the pesto from scratch?
Making pesto is quick and easy—usually under 10 minutes—since it mainly involves pulsing ingredients together. Having fresh pesto ready really elevates this pizza recipe and is well worth the small time investment.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Pizza Recipe is one of those joyous dishes that feels like a little celebration every time you make it. Simple ingredients come together to create a gorgeous, flavor-packed pizza that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become such a favorite — warm, inviting, and downright delicious. So go ahead, whip up this enchanting pie, and fall in love with pizza all over again.
Print
Pesto Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This vibrant Pesto Pizza recipe combines a fresh homemade basil pesto with a crispy pizza crust topped with melted mozzarella and juicy cherry tomatoes. With a homemade or store-bought dough base, this Italian-inspired dish is bursting with herby, cheesy flavors and is perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pesto
- 1 cup (30g) fresh basil leaves
- 3 Tablespoons (24g) pine nuts
- 3 Tablespoons (12g) freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 small cloves garlic
- 3 Tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pizza Dough and Topping
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornmeal
- 1 and 1/2 cups (6 ounces or 180g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (75g) halved cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup (12g) chopped fresh basil
- Optional for garnish: extra pesto, sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese and/or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, pulse the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves until finely chopped. Gradually add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper while pulsing until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: Prepare your pizza dough according to your chosen recipe or use store-bought dough. Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking and to add a slight crunch to the crust.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough if necessary and flatten it out on the prepared baking sheet. Shape it carefully into a 12-inch circle, creating a slight rim around the edges to hold the toppings during baking.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the dough lightly with half of the olive oil. Spread the refrigerated pesto evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer. If using, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top. Add a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top. Optionally garnish with extra pesto, additional parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for added flavor and heat. Slice the pizza and serve hot for the best taste.
Notes
- You can prepare the pesto a day ahead to let flavors meld and save time on the day of cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, consider using a pizza stone or pizza steel heated in the oven.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice in the pesto to suit your personal taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the parmesan and mozzarella or use plant-based alternatives.
- Using cornmeal under the dough helps prevent sticking and adds a nice texture to the crust.
