Tuscan Sun Pizza

Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this sensational homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza. Moving beyond traditional red sauce, this recipe leverages the rich, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomato pesto as its vibrant base. Topped generously with savory prosciutto, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and fresh spinach, it promises a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly quick – ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes!

Few dishes evoke comfort and joy quite like a freshly baked pizza. But what if you could achieve a restaurant-quality pie right in your own kitchen, without spending hours on preparation? This sun-dried tomato pizza is an absolute game-changer. It combines a medley of my all-time favorite ingredients into one unforgettable, easy-to-make meal. If you’re a devoted fan of the intense, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, prepare to be utterly captivated – you might just find yourself wanting to devour the entire pie!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza

Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe offers several compelling reasons to become your new go-to pizza night staple. It’s designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor, making gourmet dining accessible any day of the week.

• A Symphony of Flavors: This pizza truly has it all! It starts with a base of delicious, homemade (or quality store-bought) sun-dried tomato pesto, layered with salty prosciutto, tangy goat cheese, the optional luscious burrata, and finished with fresh, vibrant spinach. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
• Effortless & Quick: Forget lengthy cooking times. This recipe is engineered for speed, delivering maximum flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, an impromptu gathering with friends, or a solo treat, this pizza fits seamlessly into any plan. Its impressive flavor profile makes it feel like a special occasion meal, no matter the day.
• Leftover Perfection: While best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, this pizza holds up beautifully as leftovers. It’s equally delicious served warm or even at room temperature the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or quick lunches.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pesto Pizza Masterpiece

Crafting the perfect pizza starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the robust and irresistible flavor profile that defines this sun-dried tomato pizza.

Diving Deeper into Key Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great pizza. While making dough from scratch offers a rewarding experience, for convenience and speed, I highly recommend using quality store-bought pizza dough. Brands like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods offer excellent ready-to-roll options that save significant time. Don’t hesitate to use your favorite pre-made crust or even a frozen one if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to find a dough that you enjoy and that fits your schedule.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These intensely flavored gems are central to the pizza’s character. I personally love California Sun Dry for their consistent quality, but any reputable brand will work beautifully. You can purchase them whole and slice them yourself for a rustic look, or opt for julienne-cut ones for easier distribution. If you’re making your own pesto, consider reserving a few whole sun-dried tomatoes from the jar to chop and sprinkle over the top of the pizza for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: This is where the magic truly begins, replacing traditional pizza sauce with a vibrant, savory, and aromatic alternative. While homemade pesto offers an unparalleled freshness and allows for customization, a high-quality store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto is a fantastic shortcut that ensures this recipe remains quick and easy. Choose one with a robust flavor profile to truly make the pizza sing.
• Burrata Cheese (Optional): Adding burrata cheese is a luxurious touch that elevates this pizza to an entirely new level. Its creamy, milky interior, encased in a delicate mozzarella shell, melts beautifully, creating pockets of rich indulgence. While it might be a bit pricier than other cheeses, a little goes a long way in transforming the texture and flavor. If you need to skip one ingredient for budget reasons, this would be the one, and you can simply compensate with extra goat cheese for a delightful result.
• Goat Cheese: The distinct tangy and slightly earthy flavor of goat cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the savoriness of the prosciutto. It adds a creamy yet crumbly texture that disperses wonderfully across the pizza, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced, delicate prosciutto brings a wonderful salty punch and a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the cheeses. Its savory notes enhance the overall complexity of the pizza.
• Fresh Spinach: Not just for color, fresh spinach wilts down slightly in the oven, adding a subtle green earthiness and a light, fresh element that balances the richness of the other toppings.
• Grape Tomatoes: Halved grape tomatoes add bursts of fresh, sweet juiciness, providing a lovely counterpoint to the more intense flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and pesto.
• Dried Basil & Red Pepper Flakes: Dried basil deepens the Italian herb flavor, while a hint of red pepper flakes provides a subtle warmth and gentle kick, enhancing the overall profile without making it overtly spicy.

Crafting Your Sun-Dried Tomato & Prosciutto Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple instructions to create a mouth-watering sun-dried tomato pizza that’s bursting with flavor and ready in record time.

1. Step 1: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto (or Prep Store-Bought) & Preheat Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re opting for homemade sun-dried tomato pesto, prepare it according to your recipe and set it aside. For a quicker approach, simply open your favorite jar of store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto. Ensuring your oven is fully preheated is crucial for a crisp crust.
2. Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough. Lightly flour a clean work surface or a baking mat. Using a rolling pin or your hands, gently stretch and roll the pizza dough into your desired shape – either a classic circle or a rustic rectangle. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a large, lightly greased baking sheet.



3. Step 3: Add the Pesto and Initial Toppings. Generously spread the sun-dried tomato pesto evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the dried basil and red pepper flakes over the pesto. Arrange the halved grape tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the pesto base. Place the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes. During this initial bake, the crust will begin to crisp up, and the flavors will start to meld. While the pizza is baking, take this opportunity to gather and prepare the remaining toppings.



4. Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients for the Grand Finale. Carefully remove the partially baked pizza from the oven. Evenly distribute the prosciutto slices, crumble the goat cheese, and tear pieces of burrata cheese (if using) over the surface. Finally, scatter the fresh spinach across the pizza. Return the pizza to the oven for another 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling, the spinach has slightly wilted, and the crust is beautifully golden brown and crispy at the edges.



5. Step 5: Slice, Serve, and Savor. Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven. For best results and to prevent burning your mouth, allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing. Use a sharp pizza cutter to slice it into 8 generous pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade sun-dried tomato pizza!

Expert Tips & Flavorful Variations for Your Perfect Pizza

Elevate your sun-dried tomato pizza experience with these helpful tips and creative variations. Customization is key to making this recipe truly your own.

• Prep Ahead Perfection: For ultimate convenience, particularly if you’re using store-bought pizza dough, there’s often no need for extensive pre-preparation; the dough is typically ready to roll straight from the package. However, if you prefer to make your own pizza dough from scratch, you can certainly prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days until you’re ready to assemble and bake your pizza. Pre-chopping other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and halving grape tomatoes can also speed up assembly.
• Achieving the Crispiest Crust: To ensure a wonderfully crisp crust, make sure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature before baking. Using a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet can significantly improve crust crispiness. Placing the dough directly on the hot surface provides an initial burst of heat that helps create that desirable crunch.
• Customize Your Toppings: This recipe is incredibly adaptable!
  • Vegetarian Twist: Easily omit the prosciutto for a delicious meatless option. Consider adding other roasted vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even caramelized onions for added depth.
  • Cheese Combinations: While goat cheese and burrata are sublime, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Fresh mozzarella, crumbled feta, or a sprinkle of Parmesan can also work wonders. A combination of cheeses can add multiple layers of flavor and texture.
  • Greens Galore: If spinach isn’t your preferred green, arugula makes a fantastic substitution, offering a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich pesto and cheese. Other options include thinly sliced kale or even fresh basil added after baking.
  • Herbaceous Additions: Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or a final sprinkle of fresh parsley after baking can add another dimension of aroma and flavor.
  • A Drizzle of Delight: For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling a touch of balsamic glaze over the finished pizza before serving. A touch of hot honey could also add an intriguing sweet and spicy kick.
• Serving Suggestions: This vibrant pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A glass of crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also complement its flavors wonderfully.

Storage & Reheating for Lasting Enjoyment

Don’t let any leftover slices go to waste! Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy this delicious pizza for days.

• Storage: To maintain freshness, allow any leftover pizza to cool completely to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container or wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. While delicious as leftovers, remember that pizza is always at its absolute best when served fresh from the oven.
• Reheating: For the best results and to recapture that fresh-baked taste, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, place individual slices or the entire leftover pizza on a baking sheet. Heat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust has re-crisped. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through and the bottom is crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this sun-dried tomato pizza:

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

  While sun-dried tomatoes provide a unique, concentrated flavor that is central to this recipe, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Consider using ripe Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced, or more halved grape tomatoes. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will release more moisture, so you might need to blot them slightly before adding them to the pizza to prevent a soggy crust.

• Is sun-dried tomato pesto spicy?

  Typically, sun-dried tomato pesto is not spicy on its own. Its flavor profile is usually rich, savory, and slightly sweet from the tomatoes. The optional red pepper flakes in this recipe add a mild kick. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, or omit them entirely for a completely mild pizza.

• What type of pizza dough is best for this recipe?

  Any good quality pizza dough will work. For convenience, store-bought fresh dough from grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods is excellent. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, that’s even better! You can choose a thin crust for a crispier pizza or a thicker crust for a more substantial, chewier bite.

• Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

  Absolutely! Simply substitute the standard pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free pizza crust or dough. Most major supermarkets offer good quality gluten-free options that can be used just like regular dough.

• How do I prevent my pizza crust from getting soggy?

  Several tips can help prevent a soggy crust:

  • Preheat your oven and pizza stone/baking sheet thoroughly.
  • Don’t overload the pizza with toppings, as excess moisture can make the crust soft.
  • If using fresh tomatoes, gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
  • Bake the pizza on the lowest rack initially if you’re struggling with crust crispiness.

More Delicious Pizza Creations to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed this unique pizza, you might love exploring other innovative pizza recipes:

• The Best Vegan Pizza
• Whole30 Pizza
• Caesar Salad Pizza

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Your feedback helps other home cooks!

5 out of 5 stars from 4 votes

Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza

By Erin Alvarez

Servings:
8 slices

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 30 mins

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A simple, homemade Sun Dried Tomato Pizza that uses sun dried tomato pesto in place of pizza sauce, and is topped with prosciutto, tomatoes and goat cheese, and ready in under 30 minutes!

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Ingredients

• 1 package pizza dough (e.g., Whole Foods pizza dough)
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomato pesto (homemade recommended)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 5 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 ball burrata cheese, optional
• 2 tbsp goat cheese
• 2 slices prosciutto
• 2 cups spinach
• Pinch salt and pepper

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. If you haven’t already, prepare the sun-dried tomato pesto and set aside.
3. Lightly flour a baking mat or work surface and roll out the pizza dough. Transfer the dough to a large baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Brush the rolled dough with the sun-dried tomato pesto. Then, top it with dried basil, red pepper flakes, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes.
6. Remove the pizza from the oven. Evenly add the goat cheese, prosciutto slices, burrata (if using), and fresh spinach. Place the pizza back into the oven for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven, let cool for a minute, then slice and enjoy your delicious pizza!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor and texture, pizza is always best served fresh.
• Reheating: To reheat pizza, place slices on a baking sheet and heat in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until warm and the crust is crispy again.
• Substitutions:
  • You can completely omit the prosciutto if you prefer a meatless pizza.
  • If omitting burrata cheese, simply double up on the goat cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Feel free to use any kind of greens on top; arugula would be a delicious alternative to spinach.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal |
Carbohydrates: 27g |
Protein: 6g |
Fat: 5g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 4mg |
Sodium: 535mg |
Potassium: 107mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 983IU |
Vitamin C: 4mg |
Calcium: 30mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in December 2016. It was updated with new text and photos in June 2020 to provide a more comprehensive and improved recipe experience.