If you love the idea of mixing sweet and savory in the most delightful way, the Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This personal-sized masterpiece combines juicy blackberries, fresh basil, creamy ricotta, and melty cheeses on a wholesome whole wheat crust, creating a vibrant canvas of flavors that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Every bite bursts with juicy fruit sweetness balanced perfectly by herbal brightness and the comforting richness of cheese. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that’s quick to whip up and guaranteed to wow your taste buds and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients will set you up for success, ensuring every element contributes to the flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so special.
- Personal-sized whole wheat crust: Provides a hearty, nutty base that’s slightly crisp and adds fiber.
- Fresh or frozen blackberries (1 cup, divided): The star fruit adds juicy bursts of sweet and tart intensity.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 Tbsp): Adds a smooth richness and helps the toppings meld beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella (1/2 cup): Offers a classic melty texture and creamy flavor.
- Shredded Parmesan (1/4 cup): Brings a sharp, salty bite that deepens the cheese profile.
- Ricotta cheese (3 Tbsp): For a soft, luscious dollop of creaminess that contrasts with the tangy berries.
- Salt (1/8 tsp): Just enough to enhance all the other flavors naturally.
- Fresh ground black pepper (1/8 tsp): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
- Granulated garlic (1/4 tsp): Infuses the crust lightly with savory aroma without overpowering.
- Fresh basil leaves (4-5 leaves, julienned): Bright herbal notes that freshen each mouthful.
How to Make Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a scorching 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a pizza stone or a large cast iron skillet inside to get it piping hot. This step is key for getting your crust nicely crisped and the cheeses bubbly.
Step 2: Prep the Blackberries
Take half of the blackberries and gently smash them with a fork—no need for a puree, just a rustic mash to release those beautiful juices. Set the remaining berries aside whole; these will add wonderful pops of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Brush or rub the extra virgin olive oil generously all over your whole wheat crust, then sprinkle on the granulated garlic for a touch of mellow savoriness. This simple seasoning creates a flavorful foundation for the toppings.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings
Spoon the smashed blackberries onto the crust—don’t worry about being neat, the rustic look adds to the charm. Next, scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the berries. Dot the surface with ricotta cheese spoonfuls, then arrange the whole blackberries atop. Finish this stage by sprinkling shredded Parmesan cheese for that delicious salty contrast.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper across the pizza to elevate the flavors beautifully. Carefully remove your hot pan or stone from the oven using an oven mitt, then transfer the assembled pizza onto it. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbling, and starting to brown slightly at the edges.
Step 6: Add the Fresh Basil & Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately scatter the julienned fresh basil leaves on top. Their bright, peppery fragrance is the perfect finishing touch, bringing freshness to every slice. Slice up your pizza and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra fresh basil leaves just before serving enhances the visual appeal and refreshes the palate. For an elegant flourish, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can complement the sweet-tart berries and savory cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad to balance its richness. Try a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a bright, acidic counterpoint to the fruity, creamy pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the pizza into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter with small bowls of basil leaves and extra blackberries alongside. Alternatively, stack two smaller pizzas side-by-side with contrasting flavors for a fun tasting experience featuring the Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe as your star sweet-savory combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the basil separate and add it fresh when reheating to maintain that vibrant flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze uneaten pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. When properly wrapped, store in the freezer for up to one month. This way you can enjoy this unique pizza anytime you like with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, place your pizza slice on a baking sheet in a preheated 375-degree oven for about 7 to 9 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a regular pizza crust instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! While whole wheat adds nuttiness and fiber, a traditional white pizza dough works just as well if you prefer a lighter crust.
Are frozen blackberries okay to use?
Yes, fresh or frozen blackberries can be used. If using frozen, thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to prevent sogginess.
Can I substitute basil with another herb?
Fresh basil is ideal for its sweet and peppery note, but fresh mint or even thyme could offer interesting variations if you’re feeling adventurous.
Is this pizza suitable for more than one person?
This recipe makes a personal-sized pizza perfect for one, but you can easily scale it up by using a larger crust and adjusting toppings proportionally.
Can this pizza be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the whole wheat crust for your favorite gluten-free pizza crust to enjoy the Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe without gluten concerns.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining fruits like blackberries with cheese and fresh herbs on a warm, toasty crust. The Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe delivers that magic in every bite — it’s easy, colorful, and undeniably delicious. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own special treat, whether for a quick lunch, a fancy snack, or a casual dinner that still feels spectacular.
Print
Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza is a delightful personal-sized pizza that combines the sweetness of fresh blackberries with creamy ricotta and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all atop a whole wheat crust. Infused with fresh basil and a touch of garlic, this recipe offers a unique, flavorful twist on traditional pizza that is both quick to prepare and visually stunning.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 Personal-sized whole wheat crust
Toppings
- 1 Cup Fresh or frozen blackberries, (Divided)
- 2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 Cup Shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Parmesan
- 3 Tbsp Ricotta cheese
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Granulated garlic
- 4–5 Fresh basil leaves, (Julienned)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a hot cooking environment for a crispy crust.
- Prepare the cooking surface: Place a pizza stone or a cast iron skillet, large enough to hold the crust, inside the oven while it preheats to get it properly heated.
- Sauce preparation: Using a fork, smash half of the blackberries to release their juices and flavors, and set the other half aside whole for topping.
- Prepare crust base: Brush or rub the extra virgin olive oil evenly all over the whole wheat crust, then sprinkle it with granulated garlic for added flavor.
- Add the berry sauce: Spoon the smashed blackberries onto the crust in a rustic, uneven manner, allowing the juices to spread naturally.
- Cheese layering: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the berry-covered crust.
- Add ricotta cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the mozzarella layer to add creaminess.
- Top with whole berries: Scatter the reserved whole blackberries across the pizza for texture and contrast.
- Final cheese addition: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan evenly on top of the berries and cheeses.
- Seasoning: Add salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference.
- Prepare to bake: Using an oven mitt, carefully remove the hot pizza stone or skillet from the oven.
- Transfer pizza to hot surface: Gently place the prepared pizza onto the hot stone or skillet to start cooking immediately.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheeses start to brown and the crust is crispy and golden.
- Add fresh basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and top it with the julienned fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious, fruity basil ricotta pizza while warm.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone or cast iron skillet helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat.
- Fresh blackberries can be substituted with frozen, but if frozen, allow them to thaw and drain excess juice to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference; it complements the sweetness of the berries.
- If whole wheat crust is unavailable, a regular whole wheat pizza base or thin crust can be used as an alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the cheese does not contain animal rennet.
