This 5-ingredient tomato pesto pizza is my go-to when my kids get that hankerin’ for pizza. My kids would eat pizza 7 days a week if I let them. I admit that it’s super convenient to have Domino’s deliver when I don’t feel like cooking (and they have those garlic breadsticks that make me drool just thinking about them!), but it’s definitely not a healthy choice.
Instead, I whip out some pesto and fresh veggies and make this quick and easy meal. If I use a ready-made dough, I can have it in my little rascals’ mouths in 30 minutes or less. Plus, I can make the whole thing for less than ten bucks!
Let’s Get Started on 5-Ingredient Tomato Pesto Pizza
Making a 5-ingredient tomato pesto pizza is incredibly simple and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s fresh, budget-friendly, and so quick to prepare that you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 425 degrees. This ensures your 5-ingredient tomato pesto pizza cooks evenly and develops that perfect golden crust. A properly preheated oven is key to getting everything just right!
Step 2: Prepare Your Pizza Dough
Second, roll out your pizza dough onto a pizza pan. You can easily use premade dough from the store, but if you’re like me and you prefer the homemade crust taste, here is a foolproof recipe for pizza dough. Grab a jar of pesto and use a spoon to spread it generously all over the pizza dough.
Leave a little bit of space around the corners so that it doesn’t spill out all over your pizza pan. I use a pizza stone that can be used in both baking and grilling. I like it because it heats the dough evenly throughout the cooking process.
Step 3: Add the Mozzarella Cheese
Generously sprinkle on some mozzarella cheese until the pizza is fully covered. You’ll want at least a cup, but don’t be shy if you’re a cheese lover. I always add a little extra for that gooey, melty goodness my kids absolutely adore.
Step 4: Top with Fresh Basil
Now, take 12 fresh basil leaves and spread them evenly across the mozzarella cheese. The basil adds a fragrant, peppery flavor that makes this pizza taste fresh and light. If you’ve got kids who love helping, this is a great step for little hands to join in.
Step 5: Add the Diced Tomato
Cut and dice a ripe, juicy tomato, then sprinkle the pieces evenly over the pizza. The vibrant red color and fresh taste of the tomato are what make this 5-ingredient tomato pesto pizza so irresistible. I like to use a firm tomato, so it holds up nicely while baking.
Step 6: Bake Your Pizza
Now bake the tomato pesto pizza for 15-20 minutes at 425 degrees or until the edges and cheese are nicely browned. If you are using premade dough, follow the instructions on the can.
A Fresh, Flavorful 5-Ingredient Tomato Pesto Pizza
This 5-ingredient tomato pesto pizza is bursting with fresh flavor! I love the creamy pesto mixed with the salty crunch from the crust. Let me just warn you that it will disappear quickly! My 6-year-old goes to town on this pesto pizza. He eats more than I do! And guess what? He doesn’t even realize it’s mostly veggies and herbs!
This is a great meal to lay out for hungry teenagers, a casual party, or a game night. I make it a lot when I want to go meatless for a night or need to reign in on the budget. Even if you purchase pizza dough, this entire tomato pesto pizza only costs about $8. For a meatier pizza, I make BBQ chicken pizza with the same homemade dough.
If I have Pillsbury cans to use up, I make mozzarella and pepperoni pinwheels that my kids absolutely drool over! These are all tasty, no-brainer meals that should make cooking weeknight dinners a lot less chaotic. For even more ideas, visit my recipe index or follow me on Pinterest! Happy cooking, y’all!
