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Pesto Pizza

A vibrant and aromatic pizza topped with homemade pesto, creamy goat cheese, and gooey mozzarella that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 1 clove 1 garlic clove For aromatic flavor
  • 2 cups 2 cups tightly packed basil leaves From a 3 oz package
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts For nutty crunch
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil Adds smooth richness
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt For seasoning
  • Freshly ground black pepper Freshly ground black pepper To taste
For the Pizza
  • 1/2 recipe 1/2 recipe artisan pizza dough One 15 oz dough ball
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup pesto For topping
  • 1 1/2 oz 1 1/2 oz shredded parmesan To sprinkle on top
  • 3 oz 3 oz fresh mozzarella Torn into small pieces
  • 2 oz 2 oz fresh goat cheese For creamy, tangy flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Blanch the basil: Boil a medium saucepan of salted water. Set aside a bowl with ice water. Add the garlic and cook for 20 seconds, then add basil and cook for another 10 seconds. Transfer to ice water, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
  2. Make the pesto: Combine blanched garlic, basil, toasted pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth, mix in grated parmesan, and adjust seasoning as desired.
  3. Preheat the oven: Heat pizza stone or steel in the oven to 500°F for 45 minutes.
  4. Prepare your dough: Flour a pizza peel and flatten the dough ball into a 12-inch circle with a thicker edge.
  5. Shape the pizza: Lay the dough on the prepared peel and ensure it isn’t sticking by jiggling the peel.
Baking
  1. Add the pesto and cheeses: Spread 1/4 cup pesto over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Top with shredded parmesan, torn mozzarella, and crumbled goat cheese.
  2. Bake the pizza: Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 5 minutes, then switch to broil for an additional 2-4 minutes until cheese bubbles and crust is charred.
Serving
  1. Remove the pizza from the oven, slice into generous pieces, and serve warm.

Notes

Make pesto a day in advance for easy assembly. Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to add additional toppings like arugula or cherry tomatoes post-baking.