Description
This vibrant Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza combines the sweet tang of fresh blackberries with aromatic basil and creamy ricotta cheese on a crispy, golden pizza crust. Enhanced with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this pizza offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s perfect for a unique, gourmet treat.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Fruits and Herbs
- 2 cups blackberries (about 1 pint)
- 10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone: Heat your oven to 500℉ (260℃) and place a 14- to 16-inch pizza stone inside the oven to preheat. This ensures a crispy crust when baking.
- Prepare the Crust: Take the unbaked pizza crust and brush it evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help create a golden base and enhance the flavor.
- Spread Mashed Blackberries: In a small bowl, mash half of the 2 cups of blackberries until slightly pulpy. Evenly spread this mashed berry mixture over the olive-oiled crust to add a sweet and tangy layer.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle 1 cup each of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the mashed blackberries to create a rich, cheesy foundation.
- Top with Whole Blackberries and Ricotta: Halve the remaining blackberries and scatter them on top of the cheeses for bursts of fresh flavor. Add heaping teaspoon-sized spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza for creaminess.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza carefully to the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starts to brown, creating a bubbly and golden topping.
- Add Fresh Basil: While the pizza is baking, roughly chop or chiffonade the fresh basil leaves. Scatter them over the pizza in the final 1 to 2 minutes of baking to release their aroma without overcooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice into 8 wedges and serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using a preheated pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Mashing half of the blackberries releases their juices, which infuses the pizza with natural sweetness and moisture.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright flavor and color.
- Ricotta cheese can be dolloped unevenly for a rustic look and varying creamy bites.
- Adjust baking time slightly if your oven runs hot or your pizza crust size varies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American