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Pesto Pizza with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

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4.2 from 80 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This easy pesto pizza recipe is a perfect summer dinner featuring a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza dough topped with bright, nutty homemade basil pesto, fresh torn mozzarella cheese, savory roasted cherry tomatoes, and finished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. The recipe allows for prepping pesto and roasted tomatoes up to two days in advance, making it convenient and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 pound homemade pizza dough or store-bought pizza dough
  • Cornmeal, for dusting

For the Toppings:

  • ½ cup olive oil (for pesto)
  • Fresh basil (for pesto and garnish)
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
  • Roasted cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto (for brushing)
  • Additional small dollops of basil pesto for topping
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 500°F (260°C) to ensure it's hot enough for a crispy pizza crust.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Place your pizza dough on the sheet and stretch it into a large oval shape. Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough to prevent bubbling during baking.
  3. Par-bake the Crust: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This step creates a sturdy base for toppings.
  4. Add Toppings: Remove the crust from the oven and brush it evenly with 2 tablespoons of the basil pesto. Scatter the torn fresh mozzarella cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the surface.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt and bubble.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and dot it with additional small dollops of pesto. Top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with red pepper flakes to your preference. Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can prepare the basil pesto and roast the cherry tomatoes up to two days ahead to save time on the day you bake the pizza.
  • Using a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal promotes a crispy crust and prevents sticking.
  • If you prefer a thinner or thicker crust, adjust your dough stretching accordingly before baking.
  • For a more intense tomato flavor, sun-dried tomatoes can substitute the roasted cherry tomatoes.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance or omit if you prefer a mild pizza.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Pizza
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/pesto-pizza-with-roasted-cherry-tomatoes-and-fresh-mozzarella-recipe/