Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza

Richly flavored, Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza is the perfect dish for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively get-together with friends. This pizza stands out with its bold flavors and delightful textures, featuring a homemade roasted garlic pesto that brings a unique twist to your classic pizza experience. Enjoy it as a delicious main course or share it during your next movie night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and fresh basil creates an unforgettable taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible for all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your pizza with various toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or special celebrations.
• Healthier Choice: Packed with fresh ingredients and great flavor without heavy meats.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference when preparing this delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Pizza stone or steel
• Silicone spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool is essential for quickly blending the roasted garlic into a smooth pesto with ease.
• Pizza stone or steel: These create a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat during baking.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for spreading the pesto without damaging your pizza dough.

Ingredients

Richly flavored, Roasted Garlic Pesto is the star of today’s pizza, with mozzarella cheese; topped with toasted breadcrumbs and chili crunch.

For the Roasted Garlic Pesto

• 3-4 oz. Garlic Whole Cloves, peeled
• Olive Oil, divided: a drizzle on the garlic to roast, plus more for the pesto
• Pinch of Kosher Salt, plus more to taste
• 4-6 oz. Fresh Basil Leaves
• 1/3 cup Toasted Pine Nuts
• 1/4 cup Powdered Parmesan Cheese

For the Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza

• 1 Prepared Pizza Dough
• 3/4-1 cup Roasted Garlic Pesto
• 1-1.5 cups Grated Low-Moisture Mozzarella
• Chili Crunch, optional
• Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs, optional

How to Make Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Garlic Pesto

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spread the garlic cloves on a sheet tray and drizzle olive oil over them. Add a pinch of kosher salt and give the sheet pan a little shake to coat the cloves in oil and salt.
3. Pop the tray in the oven and roast for about 10 minutes until they begin to brown. Stir the cloves and continue roasting for another 5 minutes. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Blend the Pesto

1. Turn up the oven temperature to 450 degrees F, placing your pizza stone or steel inside.
2. In a food processor, toss in fresh basil leaves along with roasted garlic cloves and 1/3 cup of roasted pine nuts. Pulse several times until you achieve a chimichurri-like consistency.
3. Add in 1/4 cup of powdered parmesan cheese. With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until you reach a fine texture and smooth pesto. Taste and add kosher salt if needed.

Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza

1. Roll, stretch, or pull your pizza dough out to about a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface.
2. Spread on as much roasted garlic pesto as desired—approximately 3/4 cup works well—using the backside of a silicone spatula to evenly distribute it while leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
3. Top with grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese according to preference.

Step 4: Bake Your Pizza

1. Bake on your preheated stone or steel for approximately 10-12 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden brown while ensuring that cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
2. Once out of the oven, enjoy as is or brush the crust with olive oil before sprinkling toasted panko breadcrumbs and drizzling some chili crunch on top if desired.

With these easy steps, you can create an unforgettable Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza that will impress everyone at your table!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza

Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your pizza experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the pizza. Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing complement.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Enhance your pizza by offering various dipping sauces such as balsamic glaze, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara. These sauces add an extra layer of flavor.

Include a Dessert Option

• Finish off your meal with a light dessert like sorbet or fruit salad. This sweet note contrasts beautifully with the garlicky pesto.

Offer Wine Alternatives

• For those who prefer beverages, serve sparkling water infused with lemon or herbal iced tea. These options refresh the palate without overpowering the meal.

Create a Pizza Party Atmosphere

• Set up a pizza bar with different toppings and sauces. Allow guests to customize their slices, making it fun and interactive.

How to Perfect Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza

To ensure your Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil and good-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor of your pesto.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza to achieve a crispy crust.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pizza while it bakes; ovens vary. Remove it when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added flavor. A blend of mozzarella and provolone works well.
• Add Fresh Toppings After Baking: Consider adding arugula or cherry tomatoes after baking for an extra pop of freshness.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza

Complement your Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic side that pairs well with any pizza, garlic bread brings additional flavors and textures.
2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a light and refreshing side that balances the richness of the pizza.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers roasted until tender make for a flavorful side full of nutrients.
4. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers offers variety and complements the Italian theme.
5. Caesar Salad
   A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess, making it an excellent addition alongside your pizza.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn brushed with herb butter makes for a fun and tasty side dish that everyone will love.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs provide a delicious bite-sized treat that pairs wonderfully.
8. Crispy Potato Wedges
   Seasoned potato wedges served hot are always a crowd-pleaser and add heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the roasting step: Failing to roast the garlic results in a raw flavor. Always roast the garlic until it’s golden and fragrant for a rich taste.
• Overloading with toppings: Adding too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Stick to a balanced amount of mozzarella and pesto for the best texture.
• Not preheating your oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven and pizza stone for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Using fresh basil straight from the fridge: Cold basil doesn’t blend well. Let your basil sit at room temperature for a better consistency in your pesto.
• Ignoring crust thickness: Rolling out the dough too thick or too thin affects cooking time. Aim for an even 12-inch round for perfect baking results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza in an airtight container.
• Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the pizza on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds. This option may result in a softer crust.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a lid; cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza.

How do I make Roasted Garlic Pesto?

To make Roasted Garlic Pesto, simply roast garlic cloves, blend them with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and powdered Parmesan until smooth.

Can I customize my Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza?

Absolutely! You can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers or use different cheeses according to your preference.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

How long does it take to bake Roasted Garlic Peso Pizza?

It typically takes about 10-12 minutes at 450°F for the pizza to bake perfectly.

Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pine nuts with walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Garlic Pesto Pizza is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the pesto ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful homemade pizza night!