The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Pesto Pizza

Pesto pizza is a delicious alternative to the traditional cheese and tomato pizza. While basil pesto is the traditional choice, any type of pesto can be used. The bold flavour of pesto pairs well with creamy cheeses like burrata and goat cheese, as well as mozzarella, feta, and parmesan.

Mozzarella, feta, and spinach

Mozzarella is a classic pizza cheese, and for good reason. It has a mild flavour and melts beautifully, giving your pizza a lovely, stringy texture. Feta, on the other hand, adds a tangy, salty kick to the pizza. It's a crumbly, bold-flavoured cheese that won't melt like mozzarella but will become deliciously soft in the oven.

Spinach is a fantastic choice for a pizza topping. It's a super healthy green that wilts down quickly in the pan and is very versatile. You can use fresh or frozen spinach, and it pairs wonderfully with garlic. Sautéing spinach with garlic is a great way to infuse it with flavour, and it will cook down in just a few minutes.

When making your pesto pizza with mozzarella, feta, and spinach, you can either use store-bought dough or make your own. If you're short on time, a pre-made pizza base will work just fine. However, if you want to make your own, a simple no-knead dough recipe will give you a lovely light and crispy crust.

To assemble your pizza, start by stretching out your dough. You can use your fingers or a rolling pin to get it nice and thin—about 1/4 inch thick. Then, drizzle your dough with olive oil and spread on a layer of pesto. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own by blending basil, almonds, garlic, cheese, and olive oil.

Next, it's time for the cheese and toppings. Sprinkle on your mozzarella, followed by the feta. You can be generous with the cheese, but don't overload the pizza, or it might become soggy. Then, add your spinach. You can either sauté the spinach with garlic and onion beforehand or add it raw, but make sure you squeeze out any excess liquid if using frozen spinach.

Finally, bake your pizza in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!

Parmesan, oregano, and basil

One recipe recommends kneading basil, oregano, and Parmesan into the pizza dough for a full-flavoured crust. The recipe also includes mushrooms, mozzarella, and more Parmesan as toppings, alongside the pesto.

Another recipe includes Parmesan, oregano, and basil in the dough, as well as a topping of spinach, garlic, mozzarella, feta, and pesto.

You could also try adding Parmesan at the end of the cooking process, sprinkling it on top of the pizza with some fresh basil to garnish.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, be sure to use a non-animal rennet Parmesan, or substitute another hard Italian cheese, such as Pecorino.

Burrata, goat's cheese, and prosciutto

Burrata, goats' cheese, and prosciutto are all excellent choices for a pesto pizza.

Burrata is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a firm outer shell of mozzarella and a very creamy, spreadable centre. It is best served fresh, so it should be added to the pizza after cooking.

Goats' cheese is another creamy cheese that pairs well with pesto. It can be crumbled over the pizza after cooking, or added before cooking and allowed to melt slightly.

Prosciutto is a ham made from selected legs of pork, slow-cured with sea salt. It has a sweet and delicate flavour and wonderful texture. Thinly sliced prosciutto should be added to the pizza after cooking, so that it is gently warmed and its texture and flavour are preserved.

When making a pesto pizza with these toppings, it is best to start with a pre-made dough and add a layer of pesto. The pizza should then be baked for a short time before adding the remaining toppings. This will give the crust a head start and help it to hold up to the toppings.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Thinly sliced prosciutto
• Burrata cheese
• Goats' cheese
• Baby arugula or fresh basil leaves
• Black pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)

Method:

• If using store-bought or homemade dough that has been refrigerated, let it rest on a lightly floured surface for 30 minutes before shaping the pizza.
• Preheat the oven to a high temperature (around 500°F / 260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
• Stretch the dough out on a piece of parchment paper.
• Transfer the dough to a sheet pan or slide it onto the hot pizza stone and bake for 5 minutes.
• Spread a thin layer of pesto over the dough.
• Add a single layer of prosciutto.
• Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the prosciutto is crisp.
• Remove the pizza from the oven and add the burrata cheese, goats' cheese, and arugula or basil.
• Slice the pizza, spreading the burrata loosely over the slices.
• Top with black pepper or red pepper flakes, if desired.

This pizza combines the creamy textures and flavours of burrata and goats' cheese with the salty, delicate prosciutto. The peppery spice of the arugula or basil adds a fresh finishing touch.

Creamy cheeses

Burrata is a perfect creamy cheese to use on a pesto pizza. Its soft, creamy texture will melt beautifully and create a wonderful, indulgent mouthfeel. The creaminess will balance out the strong pesto flavours, and its mild taste will ensure the pesto remains the star of the show.

Goat's cheese is another excellent option. Its tangy, sharp flavour will cut through the richness of the pesto, creating a complex and interesting flavour profile. Goat's cheese has a unique, distinctive taste that will elevate the overall flavours of the pizza.

For a triple-threat creamy cheese option, a three-cheese pesto pizza can be a delicious choice. For example, a combination of mozzarella, feta, and Parmesan, as seen in a spinach pesto flatbread pizza recipe, will create a range of flavours and textures. The mozzarella will provide a classic, mild, creamy base, while the feta adds a tangy, salty element, and the Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty flavour.

Cream cheese is also a viable option for a creamy cheese pesto pizza. A recipe for a spinach pesto flatbread pizza uses a creamy mixture of spinach, garlic, and cream cheese as its base, topped with mozzarella and feta. The cream cheese provides a tangy, creamy base that complements the pesto and other toppings.

These creamy cheese options will ensure a delicious pesto pizza with a range of flavours and textures to indulge in.

Pesto sauce

Cheese Pairings

When it comes to cheese, creamy varieties such as burrata and goat cheese pair well with pesto. For a three-cheese combination, you can use mozzarella, feta, and Parmesan. Alternatively, you can use mozzarella and Parmesan with other toppings like mushrooms, tomatoes, or chicken.

Other Toppings

In addition to cheese, pesto pizza can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, prosciutto, olives, kale, and chicken are all excellent options. For a unique twist, you can also add artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or red onions.

Recipe Ideas

If you're looking for recipe inspiration, try a three-cheese pesto pizza with spinach, garlic, mozzarella, feta, and Parmesan. Another option is to combine pesto with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan. For a vegetarian option, you can make a pesto pizza with feta, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts.

Dough Options

You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own. If you're short on time, a pre-baked pizza crust or flatbread works well. For a chewier crust with a slight tang, let the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight or up to three days.

Frequently asked questions