Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe

If you adore the delightful harmony of sweet and savory flavors, then this Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a crispy golden crust layered with luscious ricotta, a vibrant burst of fresh and smashed blackberries, melty cheeses, and the refreshing brightness of basil and green onions. It’s an extraordinary twist on classic pizza that brings a garden-fresh, fruity sweetness that dances on your palate, making it a true celebration of seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, from the golden crust providing a crispy base to the fresh blackberries adding juicy sweetness and the cheeses bringing a creamy, savory contrast. Fresh basil and green onions top everything off with a pop of herbal freshness that lifts the entire dish.

• Pizza dough: A good dough is essential for that perfect chewy and crispy crust.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps crisp the crust edges.
• Blackberries (fresh, smashed): These form the tangy, sweet “sauce” base full of vibrant flavor.
• Parmesan cheese (shredded): Adds a salty, nutty depth to the pizza.
• Swiss or mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey, comforting cheese pull.
• Ricotta cheese: Offers creamy, mild richness that balances the berries.
• Blackberries (whole): Provide juicy bursts and lovely visual contrast.
• Green onions (chopped): Give a mild, crisp bite with a hint of pungency.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• Ground pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice—go generous if you like bold flavors.
• Fresh basil (chopped): Brightens and refreshes the finished pizza with its herbal aroma.

How to Make Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven now. This helps ensure a beautifully crispy crust that bakes evenly from the bottom up.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured sheet of parchment paper, roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a pizza stone, plan to transfer the dough onto a baking sheet after this step for an easy bake.

Step 3: Brush with Olive Oil

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the surface of your dough. Use your fingers or a pastry brush to spread it evenly, making sure to coat the edges well for that golden, crispy crust everyone loves.

Step 4: Spread the Smashed Blackberries

In a small bowl, use a fork to roughly mash half a cup of fresh blackberries. This won’t be perfectly smooth—some texture adds to the rustic charm. Spoon the smashed berries onto the dough and spread them out like you would pizza sauce. The leftover blackberry juice? Don’t toss it—sip on that sweet nectar while you prepare the pizza.

Step 5: Add the Shredded Cheeses

Sprinkle one cup each of shredded Parmesan and Swiss or mozzarella cheese evenly over the blackberry “sauce,” reaching all the way to the crust’s edge for a well-balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Dollop the Ricotta

Use a spoon to scatter creamy ricotta cheese in generous dollops across the pizza. No need for perfection here; the rustic look adds to the homemade charm.

Step 7: Top with Whole Blackberries and Green Onions

Scatter the remaining whole blackberries and chopped green onions over the ricotta and cheese layers for fresh bursts of flavor and color contrast.

Step 8: Season with Salt and Pepper

Sprinkle about half a teaspoon of salt evenly across the pizza, then add freshly ground pepper to your taste. We recommend being generous with the pepper for a wonderful warmth that complements the sweet berries.

Step 9: Bake the Pizza

Transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. If you like your pizza extra crisp on top, broil it for an additional minute, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 10: Garnish with Fresh Basil

Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the hot pizza. The heat releases the basil’s fragrant oils, creating an irresistible aroma that signals the pizza is ready to devour.

How to Serve Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil is the star garnish for this pizza, bringing a bright and peppery note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta and sweet berries. If you want to go the extra mile, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of lemon zest adds a lovely touch of sweetness and brightness.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrusy brightness of the basil. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lime also complements the fresh flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe on a rustic wooden pizza board or colorful ceramic platter to enhance its visual appeal. For a fun twist, slice the pizza into small squares as appetizer bites at your next gathering—guests will love the unexpected fruity-cheesy combo!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pizza in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. The crust may soften slightly but the flavors will still shine on day two.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the unbaked pizza tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftover pizza in a preheated 375-degree oven on a baking sheet for about 8 minutes. This helps restore the crispiness of the crust without drying out the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Fresh blackberries are best for this recipe because they hold their texture and brightness better. However, if frozen is all you have, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the crust soggy.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Just be sure to soften them before dolloping to spread easier.

Is this pizza sweet or savory?

This Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe is a delightful balance of both! The blackberries add a fruity sweetness while the cheeses and seasoning bring savory elements that make it a surprising but harmonious combo.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough adds a personal touch and delicious chew. Just make sure it’s rolled to about 12 inches for the best results described in this recipe.

How spicy does the pepper make the dish?

Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the quantity to your liking, but we recommend using plenty to complement the blackberries’ sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and fresh, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself on a sunny afternoon. Its unique blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp elements makes it utterly unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every bright, juicy bite!

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