Indulge in the Ultimate Pistachio Pesto Pizza with Crème Fraîche and Roasted Garlic
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey with our irresistible Pistachio Pesto Pizza, elevated by creamy crème fraîche and sweet, aromatic roasted garlic. This isn’t just another pizza recipe; it’s a gourmet experience designed for true pistachio enthusiasts. Plus, you’ll discover the joy of having extra homemade pesto on hand, perfect for spreading on your favorite crusty bread, ensuring the exquisite pistachio goodness lingers long after the last slice.
To all the devoted pistachio aficionados out there – those who crave the unique, earthy, and slightly salty crunch of these vibrant green nuts – this message is for you. If you find yourself constantly reaching for pistachios, obsessed with their distinct savory flavor, then prepare to have your world (and your dinner table) transformed.
This isn’t merely a pizza recipe; it’s a declaration. I firmly believe this is the only pizza recipe you’ll ever need to master, a culinary masterpiece that will forever redefine your idea of perfect pizza night. Yes, that’s a bold claim, but my conviction stems from the utterly phenomenal pistachio pesto generously slathered across every inch of this perfectly crispy pizza crust. It’s a flavor profile that’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated, proving that innovation in classic dishes can lead to truly unforgettable results.
The Irresistible Allure of Pistachio Pesto Pizza
The inspiration for this phenomenal pizza struck me during a memorable trip to Charleston, SC, last June. I vividly recall indulging in an entire pistachio pizza, every single glorious bite. There was no regret, no thought of sharing, only pure, unadulterated enjoyment. Each mouthful was a revelation, so exquisitely delicious that I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, I had to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. The challenge was exciting: how to capture that perfect balance of nutty, savory, tangy, and creamy elements that made the original so divine.
Why Pistachio Pesto? A Flavor Revelation
Traditional basil pesto is a beloved classic, but pistachio pesto takes the experience to an entirely new level. The subtle, slightly sweet, and earthy notes of pistachios lend a richness that complements the fresh basil beautifully. Unlike pine nuts, pistachios offer a more distinct and robust flavor, adding complexity and a touch of elegance to the pesto base. When combined with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon zest, the pesto becomes a vibrant green elixir, bursting with savory goodness that forms the heart of this incredible pizza.
The Magic of Roasted Garlic
While the pesto is undoubtedly the star, the roasted garlic plays a crucial supporting role, adding a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved with raw garlic. Roasting transforms the pungent garlic cloves into soft, sweet, and caramelized morsels, imparting a mellow, nutty flavor that spreads effortlessly across the pizza crust. It’s a simple step that yields profound results, elevating the entire dish from delicious to truly gourmet. The sweetness of the roasted garlic perfectly balances the richness of the pesto and the tang of the crème fraîche, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
The Creamy Embrace of Crème Fraîche
And then there’s the secret ingredient that truly ties everything together: crème fraîche. Many might expect mozzarella to be the only dairy on this pizza, but the addition of crème fraîche is a game-changer. This luxurious French soured cream, with its mild tang and velvety texture, melts into luscious pockets of creaminess across the pizza. It provides a delightful contrast to the vibrant pesto and roasted garlic, adding a subtle richness and a hint of acidity that brightens every bite. You seriously won’t believe the exquisite difference that this little bit of dairy makes, transforming the pizza into a truly indulgent creation.
The Essential Tool: A Food Processor
Now, let’s talk about the unsung hero behind making the perfect pesto. You might think I’m about to say “pistachios,” and while they are vital, the *real* secret lies in a different tool: a high-quality food processor. You might be tempted to roll your eyes and exclaim, “Well, duh!” but its necessity cannot be overstated. I’ve made the mistake of attempting pesto without one, a decision that led to a chaotic scene involving sliced hands, basil leaves scattered across the floor, and a torrent of frustrated tears, all while wondering why I hadn’t simply purchased the essential appliance two hours earlier.
Of course, not all food processors are created equal. There are good ones, and then there are truly GREAT ones. Allow me to introduce you to the KitchenAid® 9-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice™ System. When I say GREAT, I genuinely mean fantastic, amazing, utterly knock-your-socks-off GREAT. Since acquiring it, this food processor has become an indispensable part of my kitchen, a versatile powerhouse I find myself reaching for constantly. Its generous 9-cup capacity is perfect for tackling larger tasks, yet it intelligently comes equipped with a mini bowl insert. This ingenious feature is ideal for smaller preparations, like our luscious pistachio pesto, allowing you to achieve precision without wrestling with an oversized blade and bowl. It ensures that every batch of pesto is perfectly emulsified and smooth, exactly how you want it for your pizza.
This culinary marvel not only slices, chops, and purees with incredible efficiency but does so with unwavering reliability. It’s so powerful and precise, I sometimes think it could probably help me launch pistachio pesto into space if I desired (and no, I’m not talking about inadvertently splattering it all over my ceiling, because it simply won’t start unless the lid is firmly locked in place – ensuring no messy disasters here!). The KitchenAid® food processor simplifies the entire process of making homemade pesto, transforming what could be a tedious task into a quick and enjoyable one. Its ExactSlice™ System allows for precise slicing and shredding, making it a true all-rounder for various recipes, not just pesto.
Assembling Your Gourmet Pizza
With your incredible homemade pistachio pesto ready, the rest of the pizza assembly is delightfully straightforward. Spread your rolled-out pizza dough with the tender, sweet roasted garlic cloves, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. A quick bake melts the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer. Then comes the glorious moment: dollop your vibrant pistachio pesto (yes, you will have plenty of delicious leftover pesto!) across the melted cheese, followed by generous spoonfuls of crème fraîche. Another brief bake, just long enough for the crème fraîche to warm and slightly melt, and your masterpiece is complete.
The combination of these flavors creates an experience that is truly more than the sum of its parts. The crisp pizza crust provides the perfect canvas for the rich, nutty pesto, the sweet roasted garlic, and the tangy, creamy crème fraîche. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, a testament to thoughtful ingredient pairing and the sheer joy of homemade cooking. And it’s all made incredibly easy with the help of this amazing food processor, streamlining the most labor-intensive part of the recipe.
Beyond the Pizza: Using Your Leftover Pistachio Pesto
One of the best parts of making this pizza is the inevitable leftover pesto. This isn’t a problem; it’s an opportunity! Your homemade pistachio pesto is incredibly versatile and can elevate countless other dishes. Here are a few ideas to keep the pistachio goodness around:
- Pasta Perfection: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. Add some cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan.
- Gourmet Sandwich Spread: Use it instead of mayonnaise or mustard on sandwiches and wraps for an elevated lunch.
- Toast Topper: Spread it on crusty bread, bagels, or crackers for a delicious snack or appetizer.
- Vegetable Enhancer: Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Chicken or Fish Marinade: Use it to marinate chicken breasts or white fish before grilling or baking for an infusion of flavor.
- Egg Dish Booster: Stir a spoonful into scrambled eggs or spread on toast with poached eggs.
KitchenAid® truly understands what home cooks need, delivering quality and innovation that makes cooking a joy. So, arm yourself with a fantastic food processor, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a pizza that will earn you rave reviews. Dive into the recipe below and discover your new favorite pizza!
Disclosure: I received free product from KitchenAid® as part of this giveaway and post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
table of contents
Toggle
Pistachio Pesto Pizza with Crème Fraîche and Roasted Garlic
ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off for roasting)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup creme fraiche
- 1 tsp olive oil (for roasting garlic)
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted, if possible)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 3 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (for pesto)
instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures a perfectly crispy crust and properly roasted garlic.
-
To roast the garlic, gently peel off the loose, papery outer layers of the entire head of garlic, ensuring the cloves remain intact within their skins. Slice off about a quarter-inch from the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic head snugly in aluminum foil and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cloves are wonderfully tender and caramelized. If after 40 minutes they are not soft enough, continue baking in 10-minute increments. Once cool enough to handle, carefully squeeze out the sweet, roasted garlic cloves from their skins. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Pistachio Pesto: In the bowl of your KitchenAid® food processor (utilizing the convenient mini bowl attachment for optimal results), combine the shelled pistachios, fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Pulse these ingredients together until they are finely chopped and well combined. Then, with the food processor running on high speed, slowly and steadily drizzle in 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil through the opening in the top until the pesto reaches a smooth, consistent texture. Store your vibrant homemade pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pizza.
-
On a lightly floured flat surface, roll out your pizza dough into your desired shape – either a classic circle or a rustic rectangle. Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and is par-baked.
-
Remove the par-baked crust from the oven. Evenly distribute the tender roasted garlic cloves over the surface, then top generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is perfectly melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
-
Once the cheese is melted, remove the pizza from the oven again. Now, spread a luscious layer of your freshly made pistachio pesto across the pizza (don’t worry, you’ll likely have some delicious pesto leftover for other uses!). Then, dollop spoonfuls of crème fraîche around the pizza’s surface. Return it to the oven for a final 5 minutes of baking, just until the crème fraîche has warmed and gently melted into the other toppings.
-
Carefully remove the completed pizza from the oven. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving immediately. Enjoy every extraordinary bite of this gourmet pistachio pesto pizza!