Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Pizza is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This pizza combines fresh ingredients that bring the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. It’s not only delicious but also a fun way to enjoy healthy veggies and rich Mediterranean tastes. Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, this pizza is sure to impress everyone at the table.
How to Make Mediterranean Pizza
Making Mediterranean Pizza is simple and straightforward. With just a few steps, you can create a flavorful dish that highlights fresh ingredients and classic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 ball pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded Italian blend cheese, divided
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup halved Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 ounces (113 grams) crumbled feta cheese (about 1 cup)
- Handful fresh basil leaves, sliced
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with the rack on the bottom shelf.
- Lightly brush a pizza pan with olive oil or spray it with nonstick spray. Place your pizza dough on the pan and use your hands to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Sprinkle about 3/4 of the Italian blend cheese over the pesto.
- Layer the onion, red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes on top of the cheese.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining Italian blend cheese over the veggies and topping with crumbled feta.
- Bake the pizza on the lowest rack for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is browned and crisp, and the toppings are hot.
- Cut the pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy!
How to Serve Mediterranean Pizza
Serve Mediterranean Pizza hot from the oven for the best flavor. You can cut it into wedges for easy sharing. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It also goes well with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea.
How to Store Mediterranean Pizza
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Let the pizza cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, pop it back in a hot oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Pizza
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
- Experiment with different toppings like spinach or feta cheese for added flavor.
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste, but store-bought works well too.
Variation
You can change the toppings based on your preferences. Consider adding grilled chicken for protein or swapping the feta for goat cheese for a different flavor. You can also make a vegan version by using plant-based cheese and skipping the feta.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and works just as well.
What if I don’t have pesto?
You can use olive oil and garlic as a base or experiment with tomato sauce if you prefer.
Can I freeze Mediterranean Pizza?
Yes! You can freeze the pizza before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to cook, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Mediterranean Pizza
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 ball pizza dough
Sauce and Cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese, divided Reserve some for topping
Toppings
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup halved Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese Approximately 1 cup
- Handful fresh basil leaves, sliced
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with the rack on the bottom shelf.
- Lightly brush a pizza pan with olive oil or spray it with nonstick spray. Place your pizza dough on the pan and spread it evenly across the surface.
- Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Sprinkle about 3/4 of the Italian blend cheese over the pesto.
- Layer the onion, red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes on top of the cheese.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining Italian blend cheese over the veggies and topping with crumbled feta.
Baking
- Bake the pizza on the lowest rack for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is browned and crisp, and the toppings are hot.
- Cut the pizza into wedges and serve hot.