Description
This Veggie Garden Pesto Pizza is a vibrant and fresh take on classic pizza, featuring a crispy crust layered with flavorful pesto, fresh mozzarella, juicy heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, and a topping of peppery arugula. Perfectly baked for a golden crust and melted cheese, it’s a delightful vegetarian meal that combines garden-fresh ingredients with simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings
- 4 tablespoons pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (pre-sliced recommended)
- 2 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cob fresh sweet corn, kernels removed
- 1 ounce fresh arugula (about a cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and pizza stone: Preheat your oven along with the pizza stone to 500°F (260°C) to ensure a hot baking surface that will give your pizza a crispy crust.
- Roll out dough: Shape your pizza dough into a 12-inch round on a floured surface, preparing it for baking.
- Optional pre-bake crust: Place the rolled-out dough on the preheated pizza stone and bake for 3-4 minutes. This optional step helps create a crispier crust and prevents sogginess from the toppings.
- Assemble pizza: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Spread 4 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the surface. Layer on the fresh mozzarella slices, followed by the sliced heirloom tomatoes and fresh corn kernels.
- Bake pizza: Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 11-13 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust edges turn golden brown.
- Top and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh arugula on top to add a peppery freshness. Slice and enjoy your delicious veggie garden pesto pizza warm.
Notes
- Pre-baking the crust is optional but recommended for a crispier base.
- You can use store-bought or homemade pesto and pizza dough based on convenience.
- Feel free to customize toppings with other fresh vegetables or herbs you like.
- Serving size is based on 12 slices, perfect for sharing.
- To get the best results, use a pizza stone preheated in a very hot oven for an authentic crispy crust.
