With this “Who Needs Takeout?” Pesto Pizza, you can enjoy a homemade dish that’s way better than anything delivered. Plus, with all that oregano, you can pretend you’re eating something fancy. Bon appétit! Or just say “pizza” and dig in!
Pesto Pizza
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Transform your pizza night with our “Who Needs Takeout?” Pesto Pizza! This delightful dish features a vibrant homemade pesto crafted from fresh basil, walnuts, and a generous dash of oregano—because life’s too short for boring toppings. Spread it over a golden crust and top it with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella for a pizza experience that makes you forget all about delivery. Perfect for impressing friends or just indulging yourself, this pizza is as easy to make as it is delicious. Grab a slice and embrace your inner chef—who needs takeout when you can create culinary magic at home? Bon appétit
Ingredients
1 pre-made pizza crust
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1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts
- 1/2 cup olive oil (liquid gold, my friend)
2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for the vegans; no judgment here)
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste (because life needs seasoning)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for that “I’m healthy” vibe)
- Fresh mozzarella (or vegan cheese) for topping (because we’re going all out)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set it to 475°F (245°C). This is the level of heat you need to conquer any pizza craving.
- Whip Up the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more olive oil—no one wants a dry pesto situation.
- Spread the Love: Take your pizza crust and spread a generous layer of the homemade pesto over it. Feel free to channel your inner pizza artist; this is your canvas.
- Add the Goods: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and dollops of fresh mozzarella (or vegan cheese) across the pizza. Make it look like a work of art—if Picasso did pizza, this would be it.
- Bake Away: Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Watch it carefully; we all know how easy it is to get distracted by scrolling through your phone.
- Slice and Serve: Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute (if you can wait). Slice it up, serve it to your friends, and act like you slaved away in the kitchen for hours.
Recipe Note
Pesto Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. You can also throw in some spinach or arugula for a nutrient boost!
Vegan Option: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. The pesto will still be creamy and delicious!
Topping Ideas: Customize your pizza with additional toppings like bell peppers, olives, or artichoke hearts. Go wild—this is your pizza!
Storage: If you have leftovers (though we doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions: Pair your pizza with a simple side salad for a balanced meal or some garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy your pizza-making adventure!