Name: Sheet Pan Pesto & Balsamic Glazed Tomato Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb regular or gluten free pizza dough, homemade or store-bought; ¼ cup olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, sliced; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 1 tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 ½ Tbsp balsamic glaze; 4 oz (½ cup) vegan ricotta; ¼ cup (2 oz) vegan pepperoni (optional); ½ cup vegan pesto, homemade or store-bought; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

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This vibrant Sheet Pan Pesto Tomato Pizza offers a delightful blend of fresh, savory flavors with minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a versatile recipe that will please everyone at the table.

When it comes to weeknight dinners, finding a recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and pleasing to everyone can feel like a challenge—especially if you’re cooking for a family with mixed dietary preferences. Enter the Sheet Pan Pesto & Balsamic Glazed Tomato Pizza, a dish that ticks all the boxes. Not only is it effortlessly delicious and entirely plant-based, but it also takes full advantage of the convenience of sheet pan cooking. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this pizza is a perfect fit for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle. Plus, with a few simple tweaks, it can be customized to suit non-vegans as well.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Effortless yet flavorful, this quick dinner doesn’t compromise on taste. With fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s an ideal choice for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of assembling everything on a single sheet pan means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

This pizza also offers a deliciously customizable vegan dinner option for the whole family. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply trying to incorporate more vegan meals into your diet, this pizza has you covered. It’s completely vegan, using ingredients like vegan ricotta and pesto to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s easily adaptable—just add vegan pepperoni for extra protein, or add non-vegan toppings upon serving and slicing, making it a versatile dish that can satisfy everyone at the table.

Last, but not least, this pizza is a slice apart from other recipes with its perfect balance — a harmonious blend of flavors. The tangy sweetness of balsamic-glazed tomatoes, the rich, herbaceous notes of vegan pesto, and the creamy texture of vegan ricotta all come together to create a perfectly balanced dish. Each bite offers a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a meal that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly tasty.

What You Need To Make Sheet Pan Pesto & Balsamic Glazed Tomato Pizza

You’ll need only a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients for this pizza:

Pizza Dough:

Whether you prefer regular or gluten-free, this recipe works with either option. You can make the dough from scratch or grab a store-bought version for convenience—whatever works for your schedule.

Fresh Ingredients:

Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness, these tomatoes caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding a pop of juicy flavor to the pizza.
Garlic: Sliced and sautéed, garlic infuses the pizza with a rich, savory aroma that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Fresh Basil: Torn basil leaves add a refreshing touch and a burst of color, bringing everything together.
Vegan Ricotta: Creamy and smooth, vegan ricotta provides a delightful contrast to the tangy glaze and savory pesto, adding a luxurious texture. This is my favorite brand.

Pesto & Balsamic Glaze:

Vegan Pesto: Whether you make it at home or buy it from the store, pesto is the star of this pizza, lending it a herbaceous, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
Balsamic Glaze: This sweet and tangy glaze deepens the flavor profile, creating a perfect balance with the fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta.

Optional Toppings:

Vegan Pepperoni: If you’re looking to add a bit of hearty, meaty texture, vegan pepperoni is a great choice.
Non-Vegan Options: Give everyone at the table a choice they love by setting out additional toppings based on preference.

How To Make Sheet Pan Pesto & Balsamic Glazed Tomato Pizza

This pizza comes together in just a few straightforward steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Dough:

Start by letting the pizza dough rest in a mixing bowl covered with a towel. This step allows the dough to relax and reach the perfect consistency for stretching, making it easier to work with when you’re ready to assemble your pizza.

2. Cook the Tomatoes:

While the dough rests, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cherry tomatoes, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté the tomatoes until they start to burst and release their juices. Lower the heat and stir in the balsamic glaze and a bit of water, simmering until the mixture thickens and becomes jammy. This sweet, tangy topping will be the highlight of your pizza.

Assemble the Pizza:

Once the dough is ready, roll or stretch it out onto a pizza stone or sheet pan. Spread a generous layer of vegan pesto over the dough, ensuring it covers the entire surface. If you’re using vegan pepperoni, add it now, followed by the sautéed tomatoes and a few dollops of vegan ricotta. These layers will create a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Bake & Finish:

Pop the pizza into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crispy. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and finish it off by sprinkling the remaining ricotta and fresh torn basil leaves over the top. The basil adds a fresh, fragrant touch that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pesto and balsamic tomatoes.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Meal Prep:

To make this pizza even quicker on busy nights, consider prepping some components ahead of time. You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. The tomato mixture can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. When it’s time to make dinner, all you’ll need to do is assemble and bake the pizza, saving you precious time without sacrificing flavor.

Storage:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For the best texture and flavor, reheat the pizza in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispy crust and ensure the toppings are just as delicious as when first made.

Adapting for Non-Vegans:

This pizza is easily customizable to suit non-vegan family members. Divide the dough or make a double batch to prep on a separate sheet pan. Top it with traditional pepperoni or any other non-vegan toppings of their choice.

What To Serve With Sheet Pan Pesto & Balsamic Glazed Tomato Pizza

Simple Side Salad:

Balance the rich flavors of the pizza with a fresh, green salad. A mix of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing provides a refreshing contrast and adds a healthy, crisp element to your meal. You can even sprinkle some extra cherry tomatoes and basil to tie the salad flavors back to the pizza.

Garlic Knots:

Take your meal to the next level by serving it with warm, garlicky knots. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, garlic knots bring a familiar pizzeria feel to your dinner table. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra pesto or balsamic glaze left on your plate.

Pasta Salad:

A light and refreshing pasta salad made with veggies, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing is a great side option. It’s easy to prepare in advance, and its cool, tangy flavors complement the warm, savory pizza.

Antipasto Platter:

Serve an antipasto platter with marinated vegetables, olives, artichokes, and vegan cheese. This Italian-inspired appetizer adds a variety of textures and flavors to your meal, making it a perfect accompaniment to the pizza.

Caesar Salad:

A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing is a satisfying side that pairs well with the pizza. You can keep it vegan by using dairy-free dressing and vegan Parmesan.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto and ricotta?

Absolutely! For convenience, store-bought versions work well, but homemade will enhance the flavor.

How can I make the pizza crust crispier?

Pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings to get a crispier crust.

Can I add other vegetables to this pizza?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with additional veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté or roast them beforehand to prevent excess moisture on the pizza.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can easily make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stovetop until it thickens. Alternatively, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can also add a nice tangy flavor, though it won't be as sweet or thick as the glaze.

Sheet Pan Pesto & Balsamic Glazed Tomato Pizza

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