When to add pesto to pizza?

Pesto can be added before or after baking. Swirling it onto the dough before baking creates deeper flavor as it melts into the cheese. Adding it after baking gives a fresher, more vibrant basil kick.

Why is pesto pizza so good?

Witchs Brew Pesto Pizza stands out because pesto blends earthy basil, nutty parmesan, and bold garlic. When layered with mozzarella and baked on a crisp crust, it creates a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and herbaceous flavors.

Is pesto pizza a thing in Italy?

Yes, especially in Liguria where traditional pesto alla Genovese comes from. While it’s more common on pasta or focaccia, pizza with pesto is gaining popularity across Italy, especially in modern pizzerias.

What Italian town is famous for pesto?

Genoa, the capital of Liguria, is known worldwide as the birthplace of pesto. This city celebrates fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil blended into the iconic green sauce we use in pesto pizza today.

Witchs Brew Pesto Pizza – 5 Spooky Ways to Love It

Name: Witchs Brew Pesto Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough ball (12-inch); 1/3 cup basil pesto; 6 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp grated parmesan; 1 tbsp olive oil; Crushed red pepper (optional)

Description

A spooky twist on classic pesto pizza with rich basil flavor, bubbling cheese, and Halloween flair in every slice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pizza dough ball (12-inch)
1/3 cup basil pesto
6 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
Crushed red pepper (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F and heat pizza stone or sheet.

2. Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle and place on parchment.

3. Spread pesto evenly over dough, leaving a crust border.

4. Add mozzarella, olives, red onion, parmesan, and drizzle with oil.

5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.

6. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve while hot.

Notes

Pat mozzarella dry to avoid soggy crust.

Use toasted pine nuts in pesto for deeper flavor.

Serve with a spooky cocktail or citrus salad for balance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Pizza, Halloween
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 slices
Calories: 330
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 35mg