Three-Cheese White Pizza with Pesto Recipe
Introduction
This Three-Cheese White Pizza with Pesto is a simple yet flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Combining creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and vibrant pesto, it’s perfect for a quick homemade meal that feels gourmet.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough, enough for one 12-inch pizza
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons pesto sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Step 2: Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the dough, then dollop the ricotta cheese in small spoonfuls across the pizza. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or sliced cherry tomatoes before baking.
- Use fresh basil leaves on top after baking for a fragrant finish.
- Substitute mozzarella with fontina or provolone for a different cheesy profile.
Storage
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly and saves time. For a fresher taste, you can make your own pesto if you prefer.
What type of pizza dough works best?
You can use any pizza dough you like, whether homemade or store-bought. Just make sure to roll it evenly for uniform baking.
PrintThree-Cheese White Pizza with Pesto Recipe
This Three-Cheese White Pizza with Pesto is a delicious and simple homemade pizza featuring a crispy crust topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and vibrant pesto for a burst of fresh flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual get-together, this pizza combines creamy cheeses with aromatic pesto for an irresistible bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 10-12 inch pizza, serves 2-3 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 10–12 inches)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a hot environment for a crispy pizza crust.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, about 10-12 inches in diameter, and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread pesto: Evenly spread the 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add cheeses: Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the pesto, then dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the pizza.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, preheat a pizza stone in the oven before placing the dough on it.
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor—homemade or store-bought works well.
- Feel free to add toppings like cherry tomatoes or spinach for additional flavor and texture.
Keywords: white pizza, three-cheese pizza, pesto pizza, homemade pizza, vegetarian pizza, Italian pizza
