Pesto ricotta pizza is the perfect recipe to try out for pizza day! This Italian-inspired vegetarian pizza combines creamy ricotta cheese and aromatic basil pesto. Unlike traditional tomato sauce-based pizzas, this recipe features a unique ricotta base that's thinned with milk to create a smooth, spreadable layer. The fresh basil pesto adds a vivid colour and herbaceous flavour, while a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates that irresistible cheese pull. Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and briny black olives add texture and flavour, and make for an aesthetically pleasing pizza.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
12-14 inchPrebaked pizza crust, large
¾ cupRicotta cheese
2-4 tablespoonsMilk
½ cupBasil Pesto
2 cupsMozzarella cheese (shredded)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
2Salad tomatoes (sliced and seeded)
½ cupBell peppers - green, red, or yellow (sliced)
Preheat the oven to 230°C. While the oven heats, you can prepare all your toppings. If using a pizza stone (create a crispier crust), place it in the oven now to heat up as well.
Description - Step 2
Prepare the ricotta mixture
Combine the ricotta cheese and milk in a small bowl. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and mix thoroughly with a spoon or whisk. The goal is to thin out the ricotta to a spreadable consistency. If the mixture is still too thick to spread easily, add additional milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the right consistency.
Description - Step 3
Spread the ricotta base
Place the prebaked pizza crust on a pizza stone or cookie sheet. Spread the thinned ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pizza crust, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
Description - Step 4
Add pesto and cheese layers
Add the basil pesto over the ricotta cheese layer in small spoonfuls, then use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto layer, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Description - Step 5
Add vegetable toppings
Arrange the sliced and seeded tomatoes evenly across the pizza. Distribute the sliced bell peppers over the surface. Finally, scatter the sliced black olives across the top. Try to distribute the vegetables evenly so each slice gets a good variety of toppings.
Description - Step 6
Bake the pizza
Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and developing golden brown spots. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning. The crust edges should be golden and crispy. Remove from oven using oven mitts.
Description - Step 7
Garnish and serve
While the pizza is still hot, season with fresh ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh parsley flakes. Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing. Cut into 6-8 slices using a pizza cutter or sharp knife and serve immediately.
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Italian
Easy
Main Course
