Description
This Blackberry Basil Pizza offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza by combining sweet, tangy blackberries with fresh basil and a blend of mozzarella and tangy goat cheese. The result is a unique, colorful, and flavorful gourmet pizza that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a fresh, seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour for dusting
Toppings
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare the dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. If you are using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- Roll out dough: Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch diameter circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker to form a crust that holds the toppings.
- Transfer dough: Carefully move the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, using parchment paper if you prefer for easier cleanup.
- Prepare blackberry layers: In a small bowl, gently mash half of the blackberries with a fork, keeping the other half whole for textural contrast.
- Season mashed blackberries: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mashed blackberries to enhance their flavor.
- Mix cheeses: In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and crumbled goat cheese, then sprinkle in garlic powder and mix well for an aromatic cheese blend.
- Spread blackberry base: Evenly spread the mashed blackberry mixture over the dough, leaving about an inch margin around the edges for the crust.
- Add cheese layer: Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the mashed blackberries for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Top with whole blackberries: Scatter the remaining whole blackberries across the surface to provide bursts of fresh sweetness.
- Add basil: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the pizza for fragrant herbaceous notes.
- Drizzle olive oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil on top to help meld flavors and encourage browning in the oven.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Monitor browning: In the last few minutes of baking, watch the crust closely. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool the pizza: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes on a cooling rack or heat-safe surface.
- Finish with balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the pizza just before serving to add a tangy sweetness that complements the berries and cheese.
- Slice and serve: Cut the pizza into wedges and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to rest at room temperature makes it easier to work with and results in a better crust.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet works perfectly well too.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta if preferred for a different tangy flavor.
- If balsamic glaze is not available, reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened.
- Adjust garlic powder and seasoning quantities based on your taste preferences.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blackberry basil pizza, fruit pizza, gourmet pizza, unique pizza toppings, balsamic glaze pizza, summer pizza recipe
