Deliciously Cheesy Pesto Pepperoni Flatbreads
Elevate your lunch or snack game with these scrumptious Cheesy Pesto Pepperoni Flatbreads! Made with crusty Italian bread, each mini pizza is loaded with a creamy ricotta and pesto mixture that provides a rich flavor base. Topped with hearty pepperoni, sliced black olives, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, these flatbreads are baked to golden perfection. Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a quick meal, the ricotta mixture can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.
8
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian bread
2 large (unsliced)
Ricotta cheese
3 cups (none)
Prepared pesto sauce
1/3 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Sliced black olives
1 cup (very well drained, pat dry with a paper towel)
Pepperoni slices
2 (4 ounce) packages (sliced)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups (or to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F, placing one rack in the upper third and another rack in the lower third.
2
Slice each loaf of Italian bread lengthwise, then cut crosswise to create 8 pizza crusts.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, pesto sauce, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
4
Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over each bread crust, ensuring even coverage.
5
Sprinkle sliced black olives evenly across the ricotta layer.
6
Layer the pepperoni slices on top of the olives, distributing them evenly.
7
Finish by topping each flatbread with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8
Place 4 flatbreads on one baking sheet and the remaining 4 on another.
9
Carefully place one baking sheet on the upper rack and the other on the lower rack of the oven.
10
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
35g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deliciously Cheesy Pesto Pepperoni Flatbreads?
They are mini pizzas made with crusty Italian bread, a creamy ricotta and pesto mixture, pepperoni, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the main base of the flatbread?
The base is made from 2 large unsliced loaves of Italian bread.
What kind of cheese is used in the base mixture?
The base mixture uses ricotta cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
What gives the flatbread its pesto flavor?
A 1/3 cup of prepared pesto sauce is mixed into the cheese base.
What toppings are included on these flatbreads?
The toppings include sliced black olives, pepperoni slices, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade prepared pesto sauce.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the flatbreads bake?
They should bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How do I prepare the Italian bread?
Slice each loaf lengthwise, then cut crosswise to create 8 pizza crusts total.
Can the ricotta mixture be made in advance?
Yes, the ricotta and pesto mixture can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced black olives.
Is it necessary to drain the olives?
Yes, the olives should be very well drained and patted dry with a paper towel.
How many packages of pepperoni are needed?
You will need two 4-ounce packages of pepperoni slices.
What cheese is sprinkled on top?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is used for the top layer.
Can I adjust the amount of mozzarella cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 and a half cups or to your personal taste.
How many flatbreads go on each baking sheet?
Place 4 flatbreads on each of the two baking sheets.
Where should the oven racks be positioned?
Place one rack in the upper third and another rack in the lower third of the oven.
How long should the flatbreads cool before serving?
Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 25 grams of fat.
How much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving provides 17 grams of protein.
Are these flatbreads suitable for lunch or snacks?
Yes, they are categorized as a Lunch or Snack item.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, the recipe allows for store-bought or homemade pesto sauce.
What seasonings are added to the ricotta?
Salt and pepper are added to the ricotta mixture to taste.
What texture should the flatbreads have after baking?
The edges should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
How do I slice the bread to get 8 crusts?
Slice two loaves lengthwise, then cut those pieces crosswise to get 8 individual pieces.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
The recipe data does not specify the fiber or sugar content.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients listed for this recipe.