By AprilPublished Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, gooey pizza topped with a vibrant green pesto sauce, peppery fresh arugula, and a generous sprinkling of tangy Parmesan cheese.
Prepare the pizza dough 6 to 18 hours in advance and allow it to rest.
Optionally, you can use white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour as a substitute for whole wheat flour and/or all-purpose flour.
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil.
Lightly dust your hands with flour and fold the dough over a few times.
Divide the dough in half.
Place one half of the dough in the skillet.
Gently spread the dough out over the surface of the pan and up the sides, trying not to break it.
Brush olive oil on top of the dough.
Spread half of your sauce evenly on top of the dough.
If desired, sprinkle chopped preserved lemon or lemon salt around the edges.
Top with half of your grated mozzarella.
Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling on top.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a cutting board using a large spatula.
Allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Top with arugula, fresh parmesan shavings, and a generous sprinkle of lemon juice.
Slice and serve with red pepper flakes and black pepper on the side.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, gooey pizza topped with a vibrant green pesto sauce, peppery fresh arugula, and a generous sprinkling of tangy Parmesan cheese. The flavors dance on your tongue, creating a symphony of taste that is both satisfying and delightful.
There's something magical about making your own pizza from scratch. The process of making the dough, spreading the pesto sauce, and selecting the toppings is like an artist creating a masterpiece. It allows you to be creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations.
The star of this pizza is the pesto sauce. Made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, it adds a burst of freshness and a hint of nuttiness to every bite. The process of making pesto is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes.
When it comes to choosing arugula for your pizza, opt for the freshest and peppery leaves. The arugula adds a layer of freshness and a slight bitterness that balances out the rich flavors of the pesto and cheese.
Now comes the fun part – assembling your pizza. Start by rolling out the dough and spreading a generous amount of pesto sauce on top. Then, sprinkle on a handful of arugula leaves and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Bake in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What better way to enjoy a slice of pesto pizza than with a glass of wine? The vibrant flavors of the pizza pair perfectly with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red. The wine enhances the flavors and elevates the dining experience to a whole new level.
While this recipe calls for arugula and Parmesan cheese, feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings. Add some sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even some sliced mushrooms. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a unique twist to the classic pesto pizza.
Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. The combination of the warm, crispy crust, the creamy pesto sauce, the fresh arugula, and the tangy Parmesan cheese is a taste sensation that will leave you craving for more.
Pesto Pizza with Fresh Arugula and Parmesan is a delightful and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. The combination of the vibrant pesto sauce, peppery arugula, and tangy Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this pizza is a winner every time. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative with your toppings, and indulge in a slice of homemade goodness!
Yes, you can certainly use store-bought pesto sauce if you're short on time. However, making your own pesto sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese adds a delightful tanginess, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a more unique flavor profile.
Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.
The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust. As a general guideline, bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Absolutely! If you're a meat lover, feel free to add some cooked chicken, bacon, or even prosciutto to the pizza. Just make sure to cook the meat before adding it to the pizza.
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this pizza by using a gluten-free pizza dough mix or substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.
If you're not a fan of pesto, you can try other sauces like tomato sauce, garlic butter, or even a white sauce made with cream and Parmesan cheese. Each sauce brings a different flavor profile to the pizza, so feel free to get creative!
AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April
