Description

A delightful blend of sweet and savory, this Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza features creamy ricotta cheese, fresh blackberries, and fragrant basil on a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as a gourmet vegetarian appetizer or light main course, it combines the freshness of fruit with rich cheeses and a hint of honey, baked to perfection for a unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese and Toppings

¾ cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup fresh blackberries, halved if large
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Herbs

¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape on a clean surface, then transfer it carefully to the prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
Make Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed to create a sweet and savory spread.
Assemble Pizza: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges for the crust.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, then evenly distribute the blackberries across the pizza. If using, crumble goat cheese or feta on top and drizzle lightly with olive oil for added flavor.
Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese begins to bubble.
Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

This sweet-savory combination works wonderfully as a gourmet appetizer or a light dinner option.
For a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the dough for 3 to 4 minutes before adding the toppings.
Feel free to substitute goat cheese with feta or omit for a milder taste.
Using a pizza stone can enhance the crust’s texture and overall bake quality.