What makes a perfect summer pizza? Fresh tomatoes and basil come together in this easy homemade recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, this family favorite is a must try. Save this idea for a deliciously quick meal anytime.

there is a pizza with tomatoes and basil on it

Introduction

Imagine a warm, aromatic pizza, fresh out of the oven, topped with the simplicity of juicy tomatoes and the subtle sweetness of basil. This classic combination is not only a staple of Italian cuisine but also a testament to the power of a few, well-chosen ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease of preparation, the accessibility of its ingredients, and the boundless creativity it inspires. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this pizza is a canvas waiting for your personal touch, inviting you to experiment with flavors and techniques that reflect your unique taste and style.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of tomatoes and basil offers a harmonious balance of acidity and sweetness, while the ingredients themselves are readily available in most supermarkets, making this dish accessible to anyone.
• Ease of preparation: With a preparation time that can be as short as 10 minutes, this pizza is perfect for a quick dinner or a spontaneous gathering. The simplicity of its ingredients means less time spent on complex preparations, allowing you to focus on the fun part – bringing everything together.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and flavors of this pizza are sure to impress. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil against the golden crust of the pizza create a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of this pizza is built around a few key ingredients: a good quality pizza dough, fresh tomatoes (preferably cherry or plum tomatoes for their sweetness and low moisture content), fresh basil leaves, mozzarella cheese (either fresh or dried, depending on your preference for texture and flavor), and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For the pizza dough, you can either use store-bought or make your own from scratch using flour, yeast, salt, and water. The choice between cherry and plum tomatoes can depend on personal preference, but both offer a burst of juicy sweetness. Fresh basil is indispensable for its unique, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly. Mozzarella cheese provides creaminess and helps bind the flavors together. Finally, a drizzle of olive oil adds a richness and depth to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re making your pizza dough from scratch, start by activating the yeast in warm water, then mix with flour, salt, and a bit of sugar. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Step 2: Once your dough is ready, punch it down and shape it into your desired form – round, rectangular, or even individual mini pizzas. Place the dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone that has been sprinkled with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges without sauce.
3. Step 3: Slice your mozzarella cheese and layer it over the tomato sauce. Halve or quarter your cherry tomatoes, depending on their size, and scatter them over the cheese. Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the tomatoes. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top to bring all the flavors together.
4. Step 4: Place your pizza under the broiler for about 10-15 minutes, or bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tomatoes are tender. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful tips for making this pizza is to not overload it with toppings. The simplicity of the tomatoes and basil is what makes this dish special, so resist the temptation to add too many other ingredients. Also, using high-quality ingredients, especially for the tomato sauce and mozzarella, can elevate the flavor of your pizza significantly.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when baking your pizza. The ideal temperature is between 425°F to 450°F (220°C to 230°C), which helps to achieve a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings without burning. Keep an eye on your pizza during the last few minutes of baking, as the difference between perfectly cooked and burnt can be a matter of seconds. A well-cooked pizza will have a golden brown crust, melted cheese, and tender tomatoes.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this pizza comes from the crust, which should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To achieve this, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature, and consider baking the CRM for an additional 2-3 minutes before adding the toppings. This step, known as pre-baking, helps to ensure the crust doesn’t become soggy from the moisture of the toppings.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip for achieving a perfect crust is to use a pizza stone in the oven. The stone absorbs moisture from the dough, leading to a crisper crust. Also, letting the dough rest and rise properly is key to developing the gluten in the flour, which gives the crust its chewy texture and helps it to hold its shape well.

Storage Tips

• If you have leftover pizza, the best way to store it is to let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be safely stored for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the pizza in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this pizza, perhaps for a potluck or a housewarming party, consider packaging it in a way that preserves its freshness and presentation. Wrap the cooled pizza in aluminum foil or parchment paper and place it in a cardboard box. You can also add a personal touch by including a small jar of homemade tomato sauce or a bunch of fresh basil, along with a recipe card for the recipient to try making it themselves.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some dried oregano for an earthy flavor.
• Creative toppings: While the classic combination of tomatoes and basil is hard to beat, you can also experiment with other toppings like prosciutto, arugula, or caramelized onions to add different textures and flavors.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegan version, you can swap the mozzarella cheese with a vegan alternative and use a tomato sauce that’s free from animal products. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the pizza dough.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your crust turns out too hard, it might be overbaked. Try reducing the baking time. If it’s too soft, it could be underbaked or overloaded with toppings.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find fresh basil, you can use dried basil as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. For mozzarella, other soft cheeses like buffalo mozzarella or even feta can add interesting flavors.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your pizza during the baking time. An overcooked pizza will have a dark brown or burnt crust, while an undercooked one will have a pale crust and possibly unmelated cheese.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough before baking for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and proceed with the recipe. However, freezing a baked pizza can affect its texture, making the crust less crispy.
• Is it gluten-free? Not in its traditional form, but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re making a larger pizza.

Conclusion

Making a pizza with tomatoes and basil on the kitchen counter, surrounded by the aromas of fresh dough and melting cheese, is an experience that combines simplicity with elegance. It’s a dish that encourages experimentation and creativity, whether through different toppings, cooking techniques, or ingredient substitutions. As you share this pizza with others, remember that the true magic of cooking lies not just in the food itself, but in the connections and memories we create around the table. So, don’t be afraid to get creative, to try new things, and to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!