Strawberry Balsamic & Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
A delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza featuring a crisp thin crust topped with fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, savory Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sweet tangy balsamic reduction. This Strawberry Balsamic & Goat Cheese Pizza balances sweet and savory flavors for a perfect appetizer or light main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-4) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 Pillsbury thin pizza crust in a tube
Toppings
- 1 quart strawberries, quartered
- 4 oz. goat cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup basil, chiffonade
Balsamic Reduction
- Balsamic reduction (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) with a pizza stone or baking pan inside to heat up thoroughly. This ensures a crispy crust by warming the cooking surface.
- Prepare the Crust: While the oven preheats, roll out the pizza crust on a clean, flat surface so it’s ready to transfer onto the hot stone or pan.
- Par-bake the Crust: Carefully remove the hot pizza stone from the oven, spray it lightly with non-stick spray, and place the crust in the center. Return it to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This step crisps the bottom of the crust. For a softer crust, you may skip this step.
- Add Toppings: Remove the partially baked crust and immediately top evenly with the quartered strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and shredded Parmesan.
- Bake the Pizza: Return the topped pizza to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is fully baked and the cheese has melted.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the baked pizza with the balsamic reduction and sprinkle fresh basil chiffonade on top. Serve the pizza immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Preheating the pizza stone ensures a crispier crust but can be skipped for a softer base.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor contrast with cheese and balsamic.
- Balsamic reduction can be purchased or homemade by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- Serve immediately as the crust will soften if left to sit too long.
- Feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil before baking for additional richness.
Keywords: Strawberry pizza, goat cheese pizza, balsamic reduction, fruit pizza, unique pizza toppings, vegetarian pizza
