Savory Mediterranean Pesto Delight Pizza
Indulge in the Savory Mediterranean Pesto Delight Pizza, a mouthwatering fusion of creamy pesto and vibrant antipasto flavors. This delightful dish features a lavish spread of aromatic basil and crunchy pine nuts combined to create a fresh pesto sauce that perfectly complements a melty layer of provolone cheese. Each slice is generously topped with sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, black olives, and artichoke hearts, bringing a burst of texture and taste that dances on your palate. Ideal for lunch or a casual snack, this pizza will transport you to sun-kissed Mediterranean shores with every bite. So gather your ingredients, and let the Pantry Raiding Divas take you on a culinary adventure worthy of a celebration!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh basil leaves
2 cups (washed and stems removed)
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (raw)
Fresh garlic cloves
1-2 medium (peeled)
Fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/8-1/4 cup (the good stuff!)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (plus extra for sautéing)
Salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Baby portabella mushrooms
1/2-3/4 cup (sliced)
Provolone cheese
8 ounces (sliced (or mozzarella))
Roasted red peppers
3 (cut into strips (or fresh, if preferred))
Sliced black olives
1/8 cup (pitted)
Quartered artichoke hearts
1/2 cup (cut into chunks)
Prepared pizza crust
1 (homemade or purchased)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese. Blend until the mixture is finely chopped.
3
While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto forms a thick, smooth sauce. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed. Set aside.
4
In a skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced baby portabella mushrooms for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender and flavorful. If using fresh red bell pepper, add it to the skillet and sauté it alongside the mushrooms. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5
Spread an even layer of the pesto sauce over the prepared pizza crust, making sure to cover it completely.
6
Layer the sliced provolone cheese evenly over the pesto. Arrange the sautéed mushrooms, red bell peppers, sliced black olives, and artichoke hearts on top of the cheese.
7
For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle additional grated parmesan cheese over the toppings, if desired.
8
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve warm, savoring each delicious bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pizza recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Mediterranean Pesto Delight Pizza.
How many servings does this pizza recipe yield?
This recipe serves 6 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
What are the main ingredients for the homemade pesto?
The pesto is made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, washed and stems removed.
What kind of mushrooms are used on this pizza?
The recipe calls for 1/2-3/4 cup of sliced baby portabella mushrooms.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
Can I use mozzarella instead of provolone cheese?
Yes, the recipe specifies 8 ounces of sliced provolone cheese or mozzarella.
What type of peppers are recommended as a topping?
The recipe suggests 3 roasted red peppers cut into strips, or fresh red bell pepper if preferred.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
Use 1/2 cup of quartered artichoke hearts and cut them into chunks.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of sliced, pitted black olives.
How do I incorporate olive oil into the pesto?
Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of olive oil while blending until the pesto forms a thick, smooth sauce.
Is this pizza recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of pizza crust should I use?
You can use one prepared pizza crust, either homemade or purchased.
How long does the pizza need to bake?
Bake the pizza for about 15 minutes.
How do I know when the pizza is finished baking?
The pizza is done when the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
What should I do with the mushrooms before adding them to the pizza?
They should be sautéed in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil.
How much garlic is needed for the pesto?
Use 1-2 medium peeled garlic cloves.
How much pine nuts are required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of raw pine nuts.
What is the suggested salt amount?
Use 1/2-1 teaspoon of salt, or adjust to taste.
Should the pesto be applied directly to the crust?
Yes, spread an even layer of the pesto sauce over the prepared pizza crust before adding cheese.
Is there an extra topping I can add for more cheese flavor?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional grated parmesan cheese over the toppings before baking.
What kind of parmesan cheese is recommended?
The recipe recommends 'the good stuff,' meaning fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh red bell peppers?
Yes, if using fresh peppers, sauté them in the skillet alongside the mushrooms.
Should the pizza be served immediately?
The recipe recommends letting it cool for a few minutes after baking, then slicing and serving warm.
How much parmesan cheese goes into the pesto mixture?
Use between 1/8 and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What kitchen equipment is needed for the pesto?
A blender or food processor is needed to combine the pesto ingredients.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The tags include mediterranean, pesto, antipasto, and savory.
Is this recipe suitable for a snack?
Yes, it is described as ideal for lunch or a casual snack.
Who created this culinary adventure?
The recipe is presented by the Pantry Raiding Divas.