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Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza

Delicious Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza Recipe with Homemade Pesto

Enjoy this Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza made with fresh homemade pesto and gooey cheese, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 slices
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Pesto
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
  • 3 Tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic small
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pizza Assembly
  • 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil divided
  • 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • extra pesto for garnish (optional)
  • shredded parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
  • red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • food processor
  • baking sheet
  • Pizza Pan

Method
 

Pesto Preparation
  1. Pulse the basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic together in a food processor or blender. Add the oil, lemon juice, and salt, then pulse until everything is blended and smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Pizza Assembly
  1. Prepare pizza dough through step 3.
  2. Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C) for at least 15–20 minutes. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with 1/2 Tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
  3. Punch down the homemade dough and divide it in half. On a floured surface, gently flatten the dough into a disc and stretch it into a 12-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Create a lip around the edges.
  4. Push dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Brush remaining olive oil all over the dough. Spread 1/2 cup pesto on the dough and evenly top with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Add a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  5. Bake for 14–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil on top. Optionally, add a drizzle of pesto and/or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese.
  6. Slice and serve immediately. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This pizza is highly customizable; feel free to add your favorite toppings or use store-bought pesto if you're short on time.

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