Sweet, savory, and herbaceous, this blackberry basil ricotta pizza is a gourmet take on traditional pizza night. Juicy blackberries pair beautifully with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp parmesan, all balanced by the bright freshness of basil on a crisp golden crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pizza delivers an unexpected but harmonious flavor combination that will impress guests and satisfy adventurous eaters. The contrast between sweet blackberries and savory cheeses is elevated by the fragrant addition of fresh basil. It’s visually striking, easy to prepare, and perfect for summer gatherings or a unique vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups blackberries (about 1 pint)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside the oven to preheat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper into a 14–16 inch round.
- Brush the crust evenly with olive oil, covering both the center and edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the dough.
- Dot spoonfuls of ricotta evenly across the top.
- Gently press the blackberries into the cheese so they stay in place during baking.
- Transfer the parchment with the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped basil over the top.
- Slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal per slice
Variations
- Goat Cheese Option: Replace ricotta with dollops of goat cheese for a tangier twist.
- Honey Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of honey just before serving for a touch of added sweetness.
- Balsamic Glaze: Finish with a swirl of balsamic reduction to enhance the berry and basil notes.
- Nut Crunch: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pine nuts for extra texture and richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the crust re-crisps. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy and affect the berry texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to prevent excess moisture on the pizza.
What type of ricotta should I use?
Whole milk ricotta provides the best flavor and texture, but low-fat versions can also be used.
Will the blackberries make the pizza too sweet?
No, the sweetness is balanced by the cheeses and herbs, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Can I make this with a gluten-free crust?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and follow the same instructions.
What other fruits can I try on this pizza?
Figs, peaches, or thinly sliced pears also pair well with ricotta and basil.
Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Be sure to use parmesan labeled as vegetarian if needed.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes, preheat your grill with a pizza stone or baking steel and follow the same baking time and technique.
Do I have to pre-bake the crust?
No, preheating the stone or baking sheet ensures a crisp crust without pre-baking.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with blackberries and ensure your crust is baked on a hot surface to promote crisping.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and assemble the pizza up to 2 hours in advance. Bake just before serving for best results.
Conclusion
Blackberry basil ricotta pizza is a standout dish that beautifully blends sweet and savory elements for a modern, elevated pizza experience. Whether you’re entertaining or simply looking to try something new, this pizza brings creativity, color, and incredible flavor to your table—making pizza night feel like a gourmet occasion.
PrintBlackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza
Sweet, savory, and herbaceous, this blackberry basil ricotta pizza features juicy berries, creamy cheeses, and fresh basil on a golden crust—perfect for a gourmet pizza night.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups blackberries (about 1 pint)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough to a 14–16 inch round on parchment paper.
- Brush the crust with olive oil, covering the edges and center.
- Evenly spread mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the dough.
- Dot spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the surface.
- Gently press blackberries into the cheese layers to prevent rolling.
- Transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with chopped fresh basil.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe blackberries for best flavor and juiciness.
- Try adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet finish.
- Chill ricotta slightly before spooning for easier handling.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or a creative vegetarian dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg