There’s something magical about the aroma of baking pizza wafting through your kitchen, and making it on a sheet pan elevates that experience to new heights. This Sheet Pan Pizza with Basil and Tomatoes is not only easy to whip up, but it also bursts with fresh flavors and a satisfying crust. I’ve made this recipe countless times, each time discovering new ways to personalize it and share it with my loved ones.
Why Make This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil creates a vibrant burst of flavor that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
- Nutrient-Rich: Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins C and K, while basil adds antioxidants, making this pizza not just tasty but healthy as well.
- Convenience: Cooking pizza on a sheet pan allows you to serve a crowd with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Personal Insight: I love how this recipe showcases seasonal produce, transforming the simplest ingredients into a masterpiece that celebrates the bounty of each season.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Roasting and baking on a sheet pan
This recipe focuses on roasting fresh tomatoes on the sheet pan before baking the pizza, resulting in a mouthwatering, caramelized topping that enhances every bite.
My Experience Making This Recipe
Testing this recipe was a delightful journey through flavor and texture. I learned that allowing the tomatoes to roast before adding them to the dough intensifies their sweetness and flavor, something I found incredibly rewarding. One of the challenges I faced was ensuring the crust was golden and firm enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy, but that just meant I had to be more attentive to baking times.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pizza with Basil and Tomatoes
To create your own Sheet Pan Pizza, start by preparing your dough, whether homemade or store-bought. Roll it out to fit your sheet pan, ideally around 13×18 inches. Meanwhile, roast thinly sliced tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they begin to caramelize. Then, layer your fresh basil, cheese, and roasted tomatoes onto the dough, and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. The steps are straightforward, but timing is key to achieving that perfect crispy crust.
Expert Tips for Success
- Dough Thickness: Ensure your dough is evenly rolled out to avoid areas that are too thick or too thin; this promotes even baking.
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh, canned whole tomatoes can work as a substitute.
- Cheese Layering: Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for depth of flavor. Add half the cheese before the tomatoes and the rest afterward for a gooey texture.
- Basil Freshness: Add the basil after baking to maintain its vibrant color and flavor, ensuring it doesn’t wilt or lose its aromatic quality.
- Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for a crispy crust, and consider using a pizza stone if available to enhance heat distribution.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Pizza with Basil and Tomatoes
This pizza is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a hearty side salad or a platter of antipasto can elevate your meal. Serving it cut into squares makes for easy sharing, perfect for gatherings. A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic reduction just before serving enhances presentation remarkably.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheating frozen pizza in the oven or toaster oven is ideal to maintain its texture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute standard pizza dough with gluten-free dough or cauliflower crust for a lighter option.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a save on dairy while still enjoying that cheesy texture.
- Add Proteins: Top with cooked sausage or pepperoni for a heartier meal that is packed with flavor.
- Vegetarian Delight: Add sliced bell peppers, olives, or spinach for an extra burst of nutrition and color.
Nutritional Highlights
This recipe is rich in vitamins from the tomatoes and offers a good source of healthy fats from the olive oil. It caters to a variety of dietary preferences, being both vegetarian and customizable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets. For controlling portions, consider serving with a light salad.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy Crust: Avoid this by pre-baking the dough for about 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Uneven Cooking: Rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time for even heat distribution.
- Toppings Burning: If you find your cheese or toppings cooking too quickly, cover the pizza loosely with aluminum foil to shield them while the dough continues to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough is a great time-saver. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for best results. -
What kind of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Ripe, fresh tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened will give you the best flavor. Alternatively, you can use cherry tomatoes for a sweet bite. -
Can I make the pizza in advance?
You can prepare it up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for a day. Bake just before serving for the best texture. -
What can I do with leftover pizza dough?
Leftover dough can be frozen for later use or turned into breadsticks by rolling it out, brushing with olive oil, and sprinkling with garlic and herbs.
Sheet Pan Pizza with Basil and Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make sheet pan pizza featuring roasted tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh basil
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough to fit a 13×18 inch sheet pan.
- Spread sliced tomatoes on the sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until caramelized.
- Layer mozzarella cheese over the dough, followed by roasted tomatoes, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and add fresh basil on top before serving.
Notes
For best results, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Adjust baking times based on your oven’s heat distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg