Irresistibly Delicious Cheesy Herb-Infused Basil Garlic Pizza Recipe

Delicious Cheesy Herb-Infused Basil Garlic Pizza Recipe with Homemade Pesto.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: basil, cheesy, Garlic, herb-infused, Homemade Pesto, pizza

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 35

Servings: slices

Calories: 350kcal

1 cup fresh basil leaves provides herbaceous freshness to the pesto—opt for vibrant green leaves.
3 tablespoons pine nuts adds nutty flavor—toast them to enhance richness, or swap with walnuts.
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese serves as a creamy base for the pesto—use high-quality cheese for the best taste.
2 small cloves garlic infuses the pesto with zest—fresh is best but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
4 tablespoons olive oil enriches both pesto and pizza crust—extra virgin is ideal.
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice brightens the pesto's flavor, balancing its richness.
1/8 teaspoon salt enhances taste—adjust according to preference.

1/2 recipe or 1 lb. pizza dough forms the pizza base—homemade yields better texture.
1 tablespoon cornmeal sprinkled on baking sheet for a crispy crust.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese the main cheese, melty and gooey when baked.
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes optional; offers sweet freshness that complements the other ingredients.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil for garnish, adding color and aroma.

extra pesto adds an additional burst of flavor; perfect for those who love a herb-packed taste.
shredded parmesan cheese enhances the cheesy goodness; sprinkle generously for extra flavor.
red pepper flakes for a spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference.

Blend together fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while pulsing until the mixture is smooth. Stir in lemon juice and salt, then refrigerate until you're ready to assemble your pizza.
Set your oven to a sizzling 475°F (246°C) and let it warm up for about 15-20 minutes. While it heats, grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with cornmeal.
If using homemade pizza dough, punch it down and stretch it into a lovely 12-inch circle. If you’re using store-bought, just gently roll it out.
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, then spread a generous amount of your homemade pesto on top. Layer on the shredded mozzarella cheese and scatter cherry tomatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and fresh black pepper.
Slide your assembled pizza into the oven and let it bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and any optional garnishes. Slice it up and serve immediately.

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for a tangy finish. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for maximum flavor in your pesto.