Description
Pesto Pizza with Fresh Basil offers a vibrant twist on a classic favorite, combining rich pesto, fresh basil, and creamy cheeses on a crisp, golden crust. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for gourmet family dinners or casual gatherings, featuring fresh, healthy ingredients that deliver bold flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 fresh or store-bought pizza dough (enough for one 12-inch pizza)
Sauce
- ½ cup homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto sauce
Cheeses
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing crust
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, aiming for a slightly thin base to allow the toppings to shine and the crust to bake crisp.
- Spread the Pesto: Generously spread the pesto sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Ensure the pesto covers the entire base for maximum flavor.
- Add the Cheese: Scatter shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto layer, followed by a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan to create a creamy, golden topping that complements the herbaceous pesto.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Garnish with Fresh Basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for pesto to enhance the bright green flavor much better than jarred options.
- Preheat your oven fully to 475°F (245°C) for a crispy crust with perfect texture.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings to avoid soggy crust and ensure balanced flavors.
- Toast pine nuts before using to boost their flavor significantly.
- Brush the crust with olive oil before baking to get a golden, delicious outer edge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pesto pizza, fresh basil, homemade pizza, quick pizza recipe, basil pizza, easy dinner, Italian pizza, pesto sauce, gluten-free option
