FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE
Get the Printable Recipe PDF (Free)
Enter your email and we’ll send you the ingredients + step-by-step instructions as a clean PDF you can save to your phone.
- ✅ Printable PDF (ingredients + steps)
- ✅ Save it to your phone (no long scrolling)
- ✅ Includes cook time + servings
- ✅ Easy to follow
FAQ
Where’s the full recipe?
It’s delivered as a printable PDF so you can save it and cook without scrolling.
I didn’t get the email.
Check Spam/Promotions and search your inbox for your site name. Then click Confirm to receive the PDF.
Pesto Pizza Recipe Crispy Crust with Basil
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This recipe delivers a fantastic pesto pizza with a crispy crust and fresh basil, perfect for effortless, flavorful weeknight meals with minimal effort. Imagine golden, bubbling cheese over vibrant green pesto, all atop a perfectly crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough, for crispy crust
- 0.5 cup prepared pesto, vibrant basil flavor
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, for a creamy melt-y topping
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, torn, for a fresh aromatic finish
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Surface: Place a pizza stone, baking steel, or inverted heavy-duty baking sheet in your oven and preheat to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C) for at least 20 minutes.
- Prep Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, aiming for thinner edges.
- Brush & Base: Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. Brush the entire surface (especially the edges) with olive oil.
- Pesto Layer: Spread the pesto evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto, ensuring an even layer for consistent melting.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated stone/steel/baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Move the pizza to a higher rack for the last minute or two of baking if needed.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes, then scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use parchment paper under the dough for easy transfer and to prevent sticking. If the crust looks dry, brush with a little more olive oil before baking for better color and texture. For more flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or freshly grated Pecorino Romano. To avoid sogginess, do not overload with toppings and ensure your oven is hot enough for a quick, efficient bake. Optional toppings include thinly sliced cherry tomatoes or red onion. Consider using whole wheat dough, low-sodium pesto, or part-skim mozzarella for healthier versions. Gluten-free dough, dairy-free mozzarella, or nut-free pesto are smart swaps for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 150 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg