Tomato and Feta Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Tomato and Feta Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic pizza, combining the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and tangy feta cheese on a crispy crust. This easy-to-make pizza is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, offering a balanced and flavorful experience that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Tomato and Feta Pizza, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1 ball (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Tomatoes: 2 large, thinly sliced
• Feta Cheese: 1 cup, crumbled
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:

• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, for a bit of heat
• Balsamic Glaze: For drizzling
• Olives: 1/4 cup, sliced
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Dough

1. Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. If making from scratch, prepare your dough according to your favorite recipe.

Prepping the Toppings

1. Slice Tomatoes: Thinly slice the tomatoes and set them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
2. Mince Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking Instructions

Preheating the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
2. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
3. Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic evenly over it.
4. Add Toppings: Arrange the tomato slices on the dough, then sprinkle with crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.

Baking the Pizza

Baking Time and Temperature

1. Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Checking for Doneness

1. Check Pizza: Ensure the crust is crispy and the cheese is fully melted and browned to your liking.

Finishing Touches

Adding Fresh Herbs

1. Add Basil: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the pizza with fresh chopped basil.

Drizzling with Olive Oil

1. Drizzle Oil: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato and Feta Pizza pairs well with various sides and beverages:

• Best Ways to Serve: Serve hot, sliced into wedges, with a side salad.
• Pairings and Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon.

Health Benefits

This pizza is both tasty and nutritious:

• Nutritional Information: Rich in protein from the cheese and packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and basil.
• Benefits of Main Ingredients: Tomatoes are high in vitamins C and K, and feta cheese provides calcium and beneficial probiotics.

Tips for Perfect Pizza

• Ensuring the Best Crust: Preheat your pizza stone for a crispier crust and ensure your oven is hot enough.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, which can make the crust soggy.

Alternative Ingredients

For those with dietary preferences or restrictions:

• Substitutes for Feta Cheese: Use goat cheese or ricotta as an alternative to feta.
• Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all toppings are vegetarian-friendly.

Storing and Reheating

To keep your dish fresh:

• Best Practices for Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• How to Reheat Without Losing Flavor and Texture: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm, or use a microwave in short bursts, though the oven is preferable for maintaining crust texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and works well.

How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy olive oil before serving.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.

How long does it last in the refrigerator? The pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Tomato and Feta Pizza is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fresh basil on a crispy crust makes this pizza both satisfying and delicious. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of Mediterranean-inspired comfort!

Yield: 4

Tomato and Feta Pizza Recipe

Print

Tomato and Feta Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic pizza, combining the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and tangy feta cheese on a crispy crust. This easy-to-make pizza is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, offering a balanced and flavorful experience that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

• 1 ready rolled pizza dough
• 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges
• 10 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges
• 1 feta block, cut into cubes or crumbled
• Handful fresh basil leaves
• Pizza sauce, shop brought or see link for homemade recipe
• Optional Jalapeños
• To taste Salt
• To taste Ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 220c.
2. Roll the pizza dough out.
3. Spoon the pizza sauce over the dough. Scatter the tomatoes, onions, feta cheese and if using the jalapeños over the pizza sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minute or until pizza dough is cooked through.
5. Sprinkle with the fresh basil leaves and serve.