# Pizza al Pesto

## Description
Crispy homemade pizza topped with fresh basil pesto, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner.

## Suggested Beverage Pairing
Pair with a cold Peroni, to maximize your refreshment as you eat your hot pizza.

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## Stats

| Field | Info |
|------|------|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 2–3 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tags | vegetarian, Italian, quick, dinner |
| Spice Level | 🌶️ (Mild) |

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## Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 3–4 tbsp basil pesto
- 200 g fresh mozzarella
- 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Grated Parmesan (optional)

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## Steps for preparation:

**Step one.**
Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). If using a pizza stone, let it heat inside the oven.

**Step two.**
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking tray or pizza peel.

**Step three.**
Spread the pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

**Step four.**
Add sliced mozzarella and cherry tomatoes evenly across the pizza.

**Step five.**
Drizzle with olive oil and add a pinch of salt.

**Step six.**
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

**Step seven.**
Remove from the oven, add fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired. Slice and serve.

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## Notes:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
- You can add burrata after baking for a creamier finish.
- Works great with whole wheat dough as well.
- Yummy!

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## Author(s):
Vitt. D.