Get ready to transform your pizza night with a mouthwatering twist that will make your taste buds dance! This Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pizza isn't just another ordinary pizza - it's a gourmet experience that combines the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers, the aromatic punch of fresh basil, and the creamy richness of vegan mozzarella. Perfect for those seeking a restaurant-quality meal right in their own kitchen, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- In a food processor, combine roasted red peppers, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a smooth, consistent pesto-like sauce forms.
- Place the pre-made pizza crust on a large baking sheet or pizza stone. If using a pizza stone, lightly dust it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Spread the red pepper pesto evenly across the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella cheese uniformly over the pesto layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set.
- Slice the pizza into 8 equal pieces and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, toast your pine nuts lightly before adding them to the pesto to enhance their nutty essence.
- Use a pizza stone if possible - it creates a crispier crust and more even heat distribution.
- Let your pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier.
- If you want extra crispiness, brush the pizza crust edges with a little olive oil before baking.
- For a more intense flavor, roast your own red peppers instead of using pre-roasted ones.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the pizza in for the best results.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings - this can make the crust soggy and prevent proper cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
