Summer brings simple pleasures.
With fewer distractions this season, I've been savoring the small things. Ripe strawberries from the market, long FaceTime chats with my mom, and refreshing my balcony to create a cozy escape have become my highlights. Late nights with bedside books and leisurely mornings filled with walks and coffee have become my routine. I'm focusing on gratitude and finding new ways to keep life interesting.
Being alone during quarantine, I understand how easy it is to fall into a cooking rut. I often stick to quick meals that require minimal cleanup, which has made my grocery orders predictable. While I enjoy avocado toast for dinner, I crave variety to reignite my passion for cooking. Now is the ideal time to try new recipes and reinvent familiar favorites. And what better canvas for showcasing seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavors than PIZZA?
This pizza is a true summer sensation. I adore sweet and savory combinations, and this recipe nails it. The earthy flavor of pesto pairs beautifully with creamy mozzarella, while the juicy summer peaches add sweetness and the balsamic glaze brings a delightful tang. Is it the ultimate summer pizza?
Like many, I prefer to minimize dishwashing. I've discovered some tips to make crafting this flavorful pizza a breeze.
For the crust, feel free to whip up your own dough – this recipe yields fantastic results. If you're having trouble finding yeast, many grocery stores or local pizza shops offer ready-made dough. Personally, I enjoy ordering fresh dough from a local favorite for convenience and flavor. There's no harm in letting the experts do some of the work!
Now, let's talk pesto. I'm not a fan of store-bought pesto; it often lacks the bright flavor I crave. However, if you don't have a basil plant at home, you can enhance jarred pesto easily. Just blend it in a food processor with fresh basil, a splash of olive oil, and some grated parmesan. If your garden is thriving, use your own basil to capture that fresh summer taste!
I opted for burrata to finish my pizza, as it adds a rich, creamy touch. It may release a bit more moisture than regular mozzarella, but it won't affect the overall flavor. The mild mozzarella beautifully complements the sweetness of the peaches. Select a ripe peach, slice it thinly, and layer it on the pizza before popping it in the oven. In just twenty minutes, you'll have a golden, crispy crust to drizzle with balsamic glaze – and voila!
Whether serving this pizza to yourself or loved ones, I'm confident it will become a favorite. Here's to a summer filled with delightful pizza moments!
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough
- 1/2 cup of basil pesto
- 1 – 2 small peaches, sliced thin
- 4 ounces of burrata or mozzarella
- Large handful of fresh basil, chopped
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness, ideally 1/8 – 1/4 inch.
- Transfer the rolled dough to the baking sheet. Spread the pesto evenly over the crust, then layer on peaches and cheese.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted. Broil for an additional 3 – 5 minutes for a charred finish.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped basil, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Slice and savor!
Comments (2)
- Michelle Nash says: July 13, 2020 at 9:37 am
This looks amazing! I'm all in for anything peach!
Reply - Sarah says: July 16, 2020 at 8:16 am
YUM! Can't wait to try this recipe this weekend!
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