This vibrant Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza combines the sweet burst of blackberries with the creamy richness of ricotta and a touch of fresh basil. A truly unique and flavorful take on pizza, it’s an experience that will wow your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re looking for something new for dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a gathering, this pizza is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza is a delicious balance of savory and sweet. The smoothness of ricotta and the rich, melty mozzarella pair perfectly with the fresh, earthy taste of basil. Topping it all off are the blackberries, which provide just the right touch of sweetness to contrast the savory base. It’s a creative twist on traditional pizza and is perfect for those who enjoy bold, fresh flavors. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cups blackberries (about 1 pint)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Directions
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Preheat a 14 to 16-inch pizza stone in an oven set to 500°F (260°C).
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Prepare the pizza crust by brushing 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the surface.
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Smash half of the blackberries and spread them over the oiled pizza crust.
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Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese over the pizza.
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Halve the remaining blackberries and scatter them evenly over the top. Then, place heaping teaspoon-sized spoonfuls of ricotta randomly across the pizza.
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Bake the pizza on the preheated pizza stone for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
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While the pizza is baking, roughly chop or chiffonade (cut into strips) the 10 basil leaves. Scatter the basil over the pizza during the last few minutes of baking.
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Remove the pizza from the oven and slice it into 8 large slices. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8 slices
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add a balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the pizza after baking for an added sweet and tangy element.
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Use goat cheese: Swap out the ricotta for goat cheese for a different creamy texture and a more pronounced tang.
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Add prosciutto: For a more savory contrast, top the pizza with thin slices of prosciutto before baking.
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Gluten-free crust: Use a gluten-free pizza crust if you have dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
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Storing: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen pizza dough?
Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough. Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking.
2. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like. A mix of gouda, fontina, or even a bit of blue cheese would work well.
3. Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?
Yes! You can use a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone. Just make sure to preheat the oven and bake the pizza at the same temperature.
4. How can I make this pizza spicier?
To add a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking or drizzle some hot sauce after baking.
5. Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, frozen blackberries work fine, though fresh will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them and drain excess liquid.
6. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the pizza in advance by assembling the ingredients and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
7. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brushing the crust with olive oil helps create a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping in. Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet also ensures a crisp crust.
8. Can I use other fruits instead of blackberries?
Yes! You can substitute blackberries with raspberries, figs, or even thinly sliced pears for a different fruit flavor.
9. Can I add vegetables to this pizza?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like arugula, spinach, or roasted bell peppers to enhance the flavor and add more color.
10. What can I pair this pizza with?
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, a glass of white wine, or a sparkling water with lemon.
Conclusion
The Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza is a delightful and unconventional twist on classic pizza, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or entertaining guests, this pizza is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and variations—you might just create your new favorite pizza!
Print
Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza combines the sweet freshness of blackberries, aromatic basil, and creamy ricotta cheese for a truly unique and delightful flavor experience. Perfect for pizza lovers looking to try something new and vibrant, this recipe is a simple and impressive choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups blackberries (about 1 pint)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
Preheat a 14 to 16-inch pizza stone in an oven set to 500°F (260°C).
Prepare the unbaked pizza crust by brushing it with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Smash half of the blackberries and spread them out over the crust.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly over the pizza.
Halve the remaining blackberries and scatter them over the pizza. Add heaping teaspoon-sized spoonfuls of ricotta cheese randomly over the pizza.
Bake the pizza on the preheated pizza stone for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown and the crust is golden.
While the pizza is baking, roughly chop or chiffonade the basil leaves.
In the last few minutes of baking, scatter the fresh basil over the pizza.
Remove from the oven, slice into 8 large slices, and serve.
Notes
You can use any pizza dough, but a thin, crispy crust works best for this recipe.
For a variation, try using goat cheese or ricotta salata in place of the ricotta.
The blackberries can be mixed into the ricotta for a more blended flavor or left on top for bursts of fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
