Homemade Mediterranean Pizza With Pesto Sauce Recipes

PESTO PIZZA WITH FRESH TOMATOES & MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Combine the flour, olive oil, yeast, salt and water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Increase the speed to medium-low and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• When the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface. Cut in half and roll each part into a ball. Cover the dough balls with a damp kitchen towel and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes (the dough will rise a bit).
• Meanwhile, set an oven rack in the bottom position and preheat the oven to 500°F. Sprinkle the cornmeal on an 18x13-inch baking sheet; set aside. Cut the tomatoes crosswise into ⅛-inch-thick slices and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the juices.
• Lightly dust a work surface with flour, and then press and stretch the rested dough into two 12x8-inch rectangles. If the dough is sticky, dust it lightly with flour. Place the two pizza doughs side-by-side on the cornmeal-dusted baking sheet. Press the dough out again so that it almost touches the edges of the pan.
• Spread ⅓ cup of the pesto evenly over the pizzas (2½ tablespoons each), leaving a 1-inch border. Bake on the bottom rack for 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven; and then top the pizzas with the mozzarella cheese, followed by the tomato slices and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Season each pizza with an ⅛-teaspoon salt and a few grinds fresh black pepper. Place the pizzas back in the oven and bake until the crust is crisp and golden, 6 to 8 minutes more. Transfer the pizzas to a cutting board. Drizzle the remaining pesto over the pizzas and sprinkle with the fresh basil. Cut into slices and serve immediately.
• Note: Active dry yeast may be used instead of instant/rapid-rise yeast, however, the dough will take longer to rise. To give active dry yeast a boost, you can dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes. After that, add it to the flour, olive oil, and salt, and proceed with the recipe.
• Make Ahead Instructions: Once the dough has completed it's initial rise, and you've cut it in half to form two balls, lightly coat each dough ball with olive oil. Place the dough ball(s) into a freezer bag and seal shut, squeezing out all the air. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days. When ready to use, let the dough sit out on the countertop for 30 minutes to warm up before stretching.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 12 hours), and then let it warm up on the countertop for about 30 minutes before stretching.

MEDITERRANEAN PIZZA RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. IF you're using a pizza stone, place it in the oven.
• On a baking sheet or a pizza peel, roll out the pizza dough to 12 inches.
• Spread olive oil on the dough and sprinkle salt, thyme, black pepper and dried basil on the pizza dough.
• Top the pizza dough with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, red onion and fresh mozzarella.
• Transfer the pizza onto the pizza stone (if using) and bake in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and the dough is crispy on the edges.
• Top with fresh tomatoes and chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately.

HOMEMADE MEDITERRANEAN PIZZA WITH PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• Add the ground lamb with spices in a medium-size bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
• Roll into small balls about 3/4 of an inch around.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and when hot add the olive oil. Place the lamb meatballs in the skillet giving space between them.
• Cook for about 4 minutes turning them a couple of times until they are browned.
• Remove from the pan and set aside for adding to the pizza.
• Preheat the oven to its hottest setting - 550°F is preferred (or as hot as your oven will go) and place a pizza stone in the oven to preheat as well.
• On a floured surface, flatten out the ball of dough. With a rolling pin, begin from the center and roll out in all directions until you have the desired thickness.
• Place the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper.
• Spoon on the pesto sauce to the rolled-out dough and smear around leaving one inch of the outer crust free of sauce.
• Add the lamb meatballs, sundried tomatoes, olives, and cheeses.
• Remove the pizza stones from the oven. Carefully place the parchment paper with the pizza onto the stone.
• Baked in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the crust and cheeses are both golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and add the spinach. Slice and serve.

EASY PESTO PIZZA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°. Place dough on a lightly floured surface; let rest for 10 minutes. Knead in 1/4 cup cheese, basil and oregano. Roll into a 12-in. circle; place on a greased 14-in. pizza pan. Prick with a fork. Bake for 10 minutes., Spread pesto sauce over the crust. Sprinkle with mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes longer.

PESTO PIZZA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Spread pesto on pizza crust. Top with tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, red onions, artichoke hearts and feta cheese.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.

MEDITERRANEAN PIZZA

Steps:

• Place eggplant in a microwave-safe bowl with water and salt. Cover and microwave on High for 5 minutes or until tender; drain and set aside.
• Spread pizza crust with pesto, then top with eggplant, cheese and pine nuts. Grill over indirect heat for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is crisp; top with basil.

PESTO SAUCE (FOR PIZZA ESPECIALLY)

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• Puree until the mixture forms a smooth, thick paste.
• Topping ideas for pesto pizza: Sliced crimini mushrooms.
• Reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes.
• Sliced black olives.
• Shaved Parmesan cheese.

EASY MEDITERRANEAN PIZZA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Brush pizza shell with olive oil.
• Spread pesto sauce thoroughly over the surface of the shell, leaving the edge as a crust.
• Top with olives, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, wilted spinach leaves and cover with cheeses.
• Place pizza directly on oven rack for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted from centre to edge.
• Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.