Savory Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re craving a pizza that’s a little more sophisticated than your usual pepperoni, this Savory Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza is just the ticket. With a creamy blend of goat cheese and mozzarella, topped off with sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, it’s a delightful twist on the classic. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests without too much fuss.

Ingredients for Savory Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza

Pre-made pizza crust serves as a quick and reliable base, allowing you to focus on the toppings. Basil pesto adds a rich, herby flavor that complements the creamy cheese. Goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the mozzarella. Shredded mozzarella cheese melts perfectly to bind everything together. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and slightly chewy texture. Pine nuts add a nutty crunch that enhances the flavor profile. Fresh arugula offers a peppery finish that cuts through the richness. A drizzle of olive oil ties all the flavors together, while salt and black pepper season to taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Warm your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to ensure a crisp crust.
  • To prevent the pizza from sticking, lightly dust your baking surface with flour or cornmeal.
  • Use a pizza peel to easily transfer your pizza to and from the oven.
  • For an extra crispy finish, broil the pizza for the last minute of baking.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time as needed for thicker or thinner homemade dough.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A baking sheet works just fine. Preheat it in the oven to mimic the stone’s effect.
Can I substitute another cheese for goat cheese?
Yes, feta or ricotta can work well if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Savory Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up; this helps achieve that perfect crispy crust. While the oven preheats, roll out your pre-made pizza crust on a lightly floured surface. You can make it as thin or thick as you like, depending on your preference.

Next, spread the basil pesto evenly across the crust, leaving a little edge to form a crust. Sprinkle the goat cheese and mozzarella cheese over the pesto. These cheeses will melt together beautifully, creating a luscious base for your toppings.

Now, scatter the sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts evenly over the pizza. These add texture and depth of flavor, ensuring each bite is a delight. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake it for about 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out for that golden crust and bubbly cheese.

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top to add richness. Finally, top with fresh arugula and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper for seasoning. Slice it up and serve immediately to enjoy at its best.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with a pre-made crust.
  • Combines rich and tangy flavors with a fresh finish.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and slightly peppery notes.
  • Visually stunning with vibrant toppings.

Ingredients

1 pre-made pizza crust
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup goat cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup fresh arugula
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
2. Roll out the pizza crust on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Crumble the goat cheese and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pesto.
5. Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts across the top.
6. Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and drizzle with olive oil, then top with fresh arugula.
8. Season with salt and pepper, slice, and serve immediately.

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