Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza Recipe

Ever thought you could craft a gourmet masterpiece right in your backyard? Let’s dive into the delightful world of homemade grilled pizza with fresh basil pesto, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and melted mozzarella—it’s a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

I adore crafting Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza on the grill, with the kind of fresh, farm-to-table ingredients that make my wholesome heart sing. Juicy, sun-warmed heirloom tomatoes, picked fresh from the vines in my mother-in-law’s sunny kitchen garden, ride on top of the bright green, flavorful, homegrown basil leaves that I used to turn a summer afternoon into pesto-making magic.

The nutty, toasted pine nuts that I toss into the blender with the creamy mozzarella make for a way-good topping, drizzled with balsamic glaze, for a very simple, open-faced summer pizza.

Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza Recipe Ingredients

• Basil: Rich in antioxidants, adds a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Contains allicin, boosting immunity and heart health.
• Pine Nuts: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and magnesium.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides protein and calcium, adds nutty flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High in healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Heirloom Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, add juicy sweetness.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Offers calcium and melts for creamy texture.
• Balsamic Glaze: Adds a tangy sweetness, enhances flavor depth.

Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pre-made pizza dough
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3-4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make this Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza Recipe

1. Set your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.

3. Slowly incorporate the extra virgin olive oil while running the processor, until the pesto is a smooth paste and not too oily. You want the pesto to have the texture of a paste and not be runny. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Pre-made pizza dough can be rolled out to your desired thickness. Use a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking.

5. Veil the grill grates with a thin layer of oil; then, position the stretched pizza dough directly onto the grill. Lower the lid and let it cook for somewhere around 2-3 minutes until the dough starts getting all bubbly and puffy with grill marks roasting it from underneath.

6. Fondu con un tenedor o una espatula. El hambriento de pizza que lleva dentro no aguanta más. Así que de una vez aborde la pizza njeng. Lo que en inglés se conoce como pizza enfant terrible no hace honor a su naturaleza. Abduzca la pizza. Piense en ella como en un plato. Cargue la pizza con todos los condimentos que desee. En este caso, me decanto por la sobrasada. Aquí el porqué.

7. Spread the prepared pesto quickly and evenly over the grilled side of the dough.

8. Place the heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese sliced in the desired fashion over the layer of pesto.

9. Put the cover on the grill and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes.
Or until the cheese is molten and effervescent.

10. Take the pizza off of the grill; then drizzle on the balsamic glaze. Next, garnish it with fresh basil leaves, and serve. Now, slice it up and savor the moment!

Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Grill
2. Food processor
3. Grill tongs or grill spatula
4. Rolling pin
5. Pastry brush (for oiling the grill grates)
6. Cutting board
7. Sharp knife
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Mixing bowl (optional, for dough preparation or carrying ingredients)
11. Spoon (for spreading pesto)
12. Plate or serving board (for serving pizza)

FAQ

• Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pre-made?Indeed, using homemade pizza dough can substitute for a pre-made version to lend a more personalized touch.
• Is there an alternative to pine nuts in the pesto?In the event of a nut allergy, or if you wish for a different flavor, you may substitute sunflower seeds or walnuts for the pine nuts in the pesto.
• What if I don’t have a grill?The pizza can be baked in an oven that is set to 475°F (245°C). You want the crust to be golden and the cheese to be bubbly, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
• Can I use other types of tomatoes?Although heirloom tomatoes are suggested because of their taste and looks, you can use any ripe, juicy tomatoes you have on hand.
• How long does the pesto last?The pesto may be kept in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. The color and flavor are best preserved when it is covered with a thin layer of olive oil. Pesto has been doused with olive oil since its invention; this seems to be the secret to its longevity.
• Is there a vegan version of this pizza?Make it vegan by substituting the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast and using a mozzarella cheese alternative that is vegan.
• How can I prevent the dough from sticking to the grill?To preclude sticking, ensure that the grill is preheated and that a high smoke-point oil has been brushed on. Dust flour or cornmeal on both sides of the pizza dough before placing it on the grill.

Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To substitute for pine nuts, use walnuts or almonds in equal amounts for a different—and still nutty—taste.
Substitutes for Parmesan cheese include Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano.
To replace extra virgin olive oil, use any of the following: avocado oil, grapeseed oil.
Instead of fresh mozzarella cheese, try burrata or buffalo mozzarella for a creamier texture.

Pro Tips

1. Grilling the Dough: To achieve the best grill marks and avoid sticking, ensure the grill is adequately preheated to medium-high heat, and the dough is well-oiled. This helps in forming a crispy crust.