The classic combination of cherry tomatoes and basil creates a tasty pizza topping for a Pesto Pizza Recipe. A burst of flavor awaits you in every bite!
2tablespoonsParmigiano-Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheesegrated, separated
basil leaveshandful
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 500 °F (260 °C).
Prep the ingredients, that is to say, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop the garlic, grate the mozzarella and Romano cheeses.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat; add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Add 2 tablespoons of the basil pesto and sauté for another 30 seconds or so.
Add the chopped cherry tomatoes and quickly stir to combine.
Saute until the cherry tomatoes begin to soften. Season with ½ teaspoon of oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer mixture to a bowl and allow to cool down to room temperature beofre spreading on the pizza dough.
Spread the basil pesto over the surface of the stretched out pizza dough.
Add the sauteed, room temperature cherry tomatoes.
Spread the grated mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese over the top of the cherry tomatoes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 450° F (230 ° C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until the bottom crust of the pizza is golden brown and the mozzarella cheese is bubbly.
Top with a little bit more grated cheese and garnish with torn basil leaves, dried oregano and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
A step by step photo tutorial can be found in the text. Simply scroll up to find it.
Prep time does not include proofing time for the pizza dough. Please plan accordingly.
For a great tasting pizza crust, make and refrigerate the pizza dough at least 3 days before you plan on making your pizza. This is referred to as a cold rise.
Always preheat your oven. Make sure the oven stays at 500 °F (260 °C) for about one hour before lowering the oven temperature slightly and baking your pizza.
NEVER use a rolling pin to stretch out the dough as these will break all of the wonderful air pockets that are responsible for a light, airy pizza crust.
For an extra crispy bottom crust, use a pastry brush to spread a thin layer of room temperature butter on the pizza pan.
Cherry tomatoes have a high water content. Always sautée or roast before topping your pizza to allow evaporation of excess moisture.
Why do you reduce the oven temperature when baking the pizza? Every oven is different. This is the oven temperature that works for my particular oven. Experiment and feel free to adjust your own oven temperature in order to get the best homemade pizza.Can I make this with a different kind of pesto? Yes, all variations of pesto can be used. Go ahead and create the best pizza toppings combo! Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.