Description
This Blackberry Basil Pizza offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza by combining the sweetness of fresh blackberries with the aromatic freshness of basil, creamy mozzarella, and tangy goat cheese. Perfectly baked on a crisp crust and finished with a balsamic glaze drizzle, this recipe balances sweet, savory, and herbal flavors for a unique and delicious culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour for dusting
Fruit and Herbs
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Cheeses
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for a crispy crust and bubbly cheese.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Allow store-bought dough to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to become more pliable.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round, making sure the edges are left slightly thicker to form a crust.
- Transfer Dough: Carefully place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, optionally lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Mash Blackberries: In a small bowl, gently mash half of the blackberries with a fork while leaving the other half whole for texture.
- Season Berries: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mashed blackberries to enhance flavor.
- Mix Cheeses: Combine shredded mozzarella and crumbled goat cheese in another bowl, then stir in garlic powder thoroughly.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the mashed blackberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly on top of the blackberry layer.
- Top with Whole Blackberries: Scatter the remaining whole blackberries over the cheese for bursts of juicy flavor.
- Add Basil: Sprinkle the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves over the pizza for a bright herbal note.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the top to help with browning and add richness.
- Bake Pizza: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Monitor and Protect Crust: Keep an eye on the pizza towards the end; if the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pizza carefully from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to settle and toppings to set.
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pizza to add a sweet and tangy finish.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into 4-6 wedges and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Allowing the pizza dough to rest at room temperature makes it easier to roll out and prevents shrinkage when baking.
- If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for a crispier crust.
- Adjust the amount of blackberries and basil to your taste preference for sweetness and herbaceousness.
- Balsamic glaze can be substituted with a reduction of balsamic vinegar if unavailable.
- Cover crust edges with foil if they brown faster than the center to avoid burning.
- Use parchment paper to make cleanup quick and effortless.
