Recipe: Pesto Pizza

Introduction

Pizza is a beloved dish that can be customized with various toppings to suit different tastes. One delicious variation is Pesto Pizza, which combines the flavors of fresh basil pesto, creamy mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomatoes. In this article, we will share a simple and mouthwatering recipe for Pesto Pizza that you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pizza dough
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Olive oil for brushing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza dough packaging. Roll out the pre-made pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Spreading the Pesto

Using a spoon or spatula, evenly spread the basil pesto over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

Step 3: Adding the Toppings

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese. Scatter the pine nuts evenly over the pizza.

Step 4: Seasoning and Baking

Season the pizza with salt and pepper according to your taste. Lightly brush the crust edges with olive oil to give them a golden color. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for the time specified on the pizza dough packaging or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Once the pizza is out of the oven, garnish it with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

Pesto Pizza can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Pesto Chicken Pizza

Add cooked and shredded chicken breast on top of the pesto layer before adding the cheese and other toppings. This adds a protein-packed element to your pizza.

2. Pesto Veggie Pizza

Experiment with different vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini. Sauté them lightly before adding them as toppings to enhance their flavors.

3. Pesto Margherita Pizza

For a classic twist, omit the cherry tomatoes and replace them with sliced fresh tomatoes. Add some fresh mozzarella slices on top of the pesto layer for a traditional Margherita-style pizza.

Conclusion

Pesto Pizza is a delightful variation of the classic dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, cheese, and tomatoes. With this simple recipe, you can create a mouthwatering pizza in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of this deliciousness!