Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup of mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup of basil pesto
- 1/2 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup of sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the mascarpone cheese evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Spread the basil pesto over the mascarpone cheese.
5. Sprinkle the sliced cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onions over the pesto.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Place the pizza on a pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
425°F (218°C)
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 345
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 640mg
Sugar: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pre-made pizza crust, including gluten-free or cauliflower crusts.
- Instead of mascarpone cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or cream cheese.
- If you don't have basil pesto, you can make your own by blending fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
- You can use any type of cheese you like, such as feta or goat cheese.
- You can add any toppings you like, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use a different type of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto.
- Make mini pizzas using individual pizza crusts for a fun party appetizer.
Tips and Tricks:
- Preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet before baking the pizza to ensure a crispy crust.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings or it may become soggy.
- If you like a crispy crust, brush the edges of the crust with olive oil before baking.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the pizza, place it in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board or pizza stone for a rustic look.
Garnishes:
Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
Serve the pizza with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, try baking it for a few more minutes or placing it directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes of baking.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, try broiling the pizza for a minute or two.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Pizza originated in Italy in the 18th century and has since become a popular dish worldwide.
Flavor Profiles:
This pizza has a creamy and tangy flavor from the mascarpone cheese and basil pesto, balanced by the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the saltiness of the olives.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
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Region: Italian