Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza cutter
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Place the pre-made pizza crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
3. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the pizza crust.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto.
5. Add the sliced black olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on top of the cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Cut into slices using a pizza cutter.
10. Serve and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
425°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 11g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pre-made pizza crust can be substituted with homemade pizza dough or gluten-free pizza crust.
- Basil pesto can be substituted with sun-dried tomato pesto or garlic pesto.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any type of cheese such as cheddar, feta, or goat cheese.
- Black olives can be substituted with green olives or kalamata olives.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with sliced Roma tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with white onion or shallots.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Top with fresh arugula or spinach for added greens.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the pizza for a tangy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza crust on it for a crispy crust.
- Use a pizza cutter to easily slice the pizza.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat leftover pizza in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board or pizza stone for a rustic look.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
Pairings:
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza crust on it.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, bake the pizza for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pizza is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century and has since become a popular dish worldwide.
Flavor profiles:
This basil-pesto pizza has a savory and herbaceous flavor from the basil pesto, paired with the tanginess of the black olives and sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor.
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Region: Italian