Grilled Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza
Try this Grilled Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza recipe.
Try this Grilled Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza recipe.
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 sp sea salt
- 1/4 up freshly grated parmesan cheese
- for pesto
- 3 cups lightly packed basil leaves
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (toast pine nuts in a dry skille
- 1/4 sp pepper
- for pizza
- pizza dough for one pizza (make your own or grab s
- 5 oz fresh goat cheese
- toppings of choice: i used sliced tomato and sautã©
- Carbohydrate 0.780968981738648 g
- Cholesterol 9.33171802041667 mg
- Fat 5.065503658982 g
- Fiber 0.113547731316411 g
- Protein 2.77495703023582 g
- Saturated Fat 2.64793256924245 g
- Serving Size 1 1 †pizza (22g)
- Sodium 61.2015753411258 mg
- Sugar 0.667421250422237 g
- Trans Fat 0.247557665197914 g
- Calories 59 calories
Step-by-step
- First, make your pesto. Combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts and two tablespoons of the olive oil in a food processor and process until just slightly chunky.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil in a steady stream. Add lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, sea salt and pepper and continue processing until smooth.
- To prepare your pizza, heat up your grill (either gas or charcoal is fine) and spray the grates well with non-stick spray.
- Also, spray the BACK of a cookie sheet well with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to roughly about 12” in diameter. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
- Carefully transfer the pizza dough to the back of the greased cookie sheet and carry outside to the grill.
- Gently, lift the dough off the back of the cookie sheet and onto the grill. Close the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, checking occasionally.
- The dough should be starting to bubble up and if you check the bottom, it should be looking a little charred.
- Slide the dough off the grill and back onto the back of the cookie sheet.
- Flip pizza so the charred side is on top then spread pesto all over the top.
- Add toppings of your choice (I used sautéed mushrooms and thin tomato slices and it was great) followed by soft mounds of goat cheese.
- Carefully slide dough back onto the grill, close top and cook for another 5-6 minutes, checking often.
- When done, the crust should be puffy, the bottom slightly charred and the cheese melted.
- Slide your finished pizza back onto your cookie sheet, let cool and slice up!
Grilled Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza: A Summertime Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the constant hum of household chores. But even amidst the chaos, I crave moments of culinary creativity, moments that allow me to unwind and nourish my family with something special. This Grilled Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza is one of those recipes. It's surprisingly simple, incredibly flavorful, and best of all, it feels like a little slice of summer, even on a hectic Tuesday night.
The magic of this pizza lies in its unexpected simplicity. Forget complicated dough recipes or fussy toppings. The key is grilling the pizza. This method gives the crust a wonderfully charred, almost smoky flavor that elevates it beyond your average takeout pie. The pesto, a vibrant blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous goodness. And the creamy goat cheese, melting beautifully on top, provides the perfect counterpoint to the savory pesto and the slightly crispy crust. The combination is truly divine!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. While I love the classic combination of sautéed mushrooms and tomato slices, the topping possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment! Roasted peppers, caramelized onions, spicy sausage—the choices are as varied as your palate. I've even been known to throw on some leftover grilled chicken or vegetables for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This adaptable nature makes it perfect for satisfying those picky eaters in the family.
The process itself is surprisingly straightforward. Preparing the pesto takes mere minutes, and making the pizza is a breeze. The grilling is where the fun begins. The satisfying sizzle of the dough on the hot grates, the intoxicating aroma of basil and garlic, it's a small but significant ritual that makes this recipe even more enjoyable. And the best part? The cleanup is minimal. A quick wipe of the grill and a rinse of the cookie sheet, and you’re done! That's the beauty of a quick, flavorful meal.
Beyond the ease of preparation, this recipe is a testament to the joy of simple ingredients. The quality of the ingredients shines through in every bite. I always try to use fresh, locally sourced basil whenever possible. The difference in flavor is remarkable. A trip to the farmers market becomes part of the experience, a small act of self-care amidst the busy routine.
This Grilled Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It's a chance to connect with the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there’s always time for a little bit of culinary creativity and deliciousness. And, let's be honest, sometimes that's exactly what we need to keep us going. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let the summer flavors transport you, even if just for a moment.
So, gather your family, friends, or even just yourself, and indulge in this delightful pizza. The taste is an unforgettable experience, and the simplicity of the recipe ensures that it can easily become a staple in your culinary repertoire. And remember, it’s not just about the food; it's about the moments of joy and connection created around the table.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few extra tips and suggestions to help you perfect this recipe:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with toppings! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to try different combinations of vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
- Use high-quality ingredients. The flavor of the pesto and the overall pizza will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, flavorful ingredients.
- Preheat your grill properly. Ensure your grill is hot enough to achieve a nice char on the pizza crust.
- Don't overcrowd the grill. Give the pizza enough space to cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Grilling times may vary depending on your grill, so it's essential to monitor the pizza closely to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately. Grilled pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the grill.
This Grilled Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of summer, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a testament to the fact that even amidst the whirlwind of a busy life, there is always time for a little bit of culinary magic.
