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+ servings
Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza

Pesto Pizza

Enjoy the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and fresh basil in this Cheesy Basil Garlic Pizza topped with homemade pesto.
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: 300

Ingredients
  

Pesto
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
  • 3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly grated or shredded
  • 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 Dough and Toppings
  • 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil divided
  • 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • extra pesto optional for garnish
  • shredded parmesan cheese optional for garnish
  • red pepper flakes optional for garnish

Equipment

  • food processor
  • baking sheet
  • Pizza Pan
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oven

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: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This pizza is customizable, allowing for various toppings. Consider adding grilled chicken or other vegetables for different flavor combinations.

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