We love how fresh blackberries add a burst of natural sweetness to our pizza nights. This recipe brings together creamy ricotta cheese and aromatic basil for a vibrant flavor adventure. We get a surprising balance of tangy jammy fruit and savory herbs in every bite. It’s an easy way to impress guests or treat ourselves to a special meal. We’ll keep the dough simple so it’s ready for your favorite toppings
Ingredients
We organize each item beforehand so our pizza assembly feels effortless. We follow this list in the order we use them:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough | 1 pound (about 450 grams) | Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Drizzle lightly on dough |
| Ricotta cheese | ½ cup | Stir for a smooth texture if preferred |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup | Adds a melty layer on top of ricotta |
| Fresh blackberries | 1 cup | Rinse and pat dry carefully |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Season to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Complementary spice for sweetness |
| Fresh basil leaves (chopped) | ¼ cup | Scatter after baking for a fragrant finish |
We measure and prepare all items first. We keep our blackberries dry so they do not make the dough soggy. We chop the basil leaves just before using them so they retain their bright aroma and color.
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few essential tools to create our bold and unique Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza. Each piece of equipment helps us handle the dough, assemble our toppings, and achieve a crisp crust.
- Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
We place our pizza on a stone for an evenly cooked crust. If a stone is not available we use a baking sheet.
- Rolling Pin
We flatten our dough to the desired thickness. This gives our crust an even shape.
- Cutting Board
We chop our fresh basil on a sturdy board. This keeps our workspace organized.
- Sharp Knife
We slice any additional toppings that require precise cuts. A sharp edge prevents bruising the basil.
- Measuring Spoons
We measure our salt and black pepper accurately. Balanced seasoning makes each slice flavorful.
- Pastry Brush
We brush olive oil onto the dough. This step ensures an even layer of moisture.
- Small Bowls
We keep our ricotta cheese and blackberries separate until assembly. This saves time during the final steps.
- Pizza Cutter
We slice the finished pizza into neat triangles after baking. A large knife is a fine alternative.
Directions
Here is how we prepare our Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza for a perfectly crisp crust and a vibrant blend of sweet and savory flavors. We recommend organizing all ingredients and tools in advance.
Prepare The Dough
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and place our pizza dough on top.
- Press the dough with our fingertips to begin shaping it.
- Use a rolling pin to flatter the dough into a circle about 12 inches wide.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Brush the surface of the crust with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to lock in moisture.
Prepare The Blackberry Basil Topping
- Gently toss fresh blackberries in a small bowl to remove any excess moisture.
- Season blackberries with a light pinch of salt and black pepper for subtle depth.
- Store the blackberries in the bowl until we are ready to assemble.
- Chop or tear fresh basil leaves into small pieces and set aside.
Assemble The Pizza
- Spread ½ cup of ricotta cheese evenly over the crust with a spatula.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Place blackberries across the pizza.
- Reserve half of our chopped basil to add after baking.
- Lightly season the entire pizza with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Bake And Serve
- Preheat our oven to 450°F for about 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
- Slide the pizza onto the middle rack.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza and sprinkle the reserved basil on top for a bright finish.
- Slice with a pizza cutter and serve immediately.
| Step | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Dough Resting | 15 minutes | — |
| Preheat Oven | 10 minutes | 450°F |
| Baking | 12–15 minutes | 450°F |
Conclusion
We love how each bite combines a burst of surprising flavors that keep us engaged from start to finish. It’s a bold choice for anyone craving something out of the ordinary and we’re excited to keep pushing our culinary boundaries.
There’s no better way to delight guests than by sharing a pizza that’s both approachable and memorable. Let’s embrace these unique flavor profiles and continue exploring fresh combinations for our next homemade pizza masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza special?
This recipe combines sweet blackberries with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh basil, creating a delicious blend of sweet and savory. The mild flavor of ricotta pairs perfectly with juicy berries and basil’s herbal notes. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that suits both casual dinners and special occasions.
Do I need any special tools to make this pizza?
A pizza stone or baking sheet is recommended for an evenly crisp crust. You’ll also need a rolling pin, a cutting board, a sharp knife, measuring spoons, a pastry brush for the olive oil, and a pizza cutter to slice it neatly.
How should I prepare the toppings?
Make sure to pat dry the blackberries to prevent excess moisture. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for balance. Chop the basil just before using so it stays fresh and aromatic. Keep ricotta cheese in a separate bowl until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.
How long do I bake it?
Bake the pizza at 450°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. The crust should turn golden, and the cheese should be bubbly. Keep an eye on it near the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook or become too brown.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely. This pizza dough base is versatile, so feel free to add other toppings like caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even sliced prosciutto. The core flavor profile of blackberries, ricotta, and basil remains delicious, but it’s fun to experiment with extra ingredients that suit your preferences.
How do I serve and store leftovers?
Slice the pizza using a pizza cutter while it’s still warm. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes. This helps maintain the crust’s texture and keeps the flavors fresh.