Okay, amiga! Get ready, because I’m about to drop a flavor bomb that’s gonna blow your mind: Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza! This isn’t your basic cheese and tomato number. No way. This is Cuba Queen-style flavor elevation at its finest! I remember the first time I tried this recipe – my friend Maria made a batch and invited me over, and the flavor knocked my socks off. The perfect blend of savory and freshness, a symphony in my mouth! It’s bold, it’s vibrant, and it’s guaranteed to make even the pickiest eaters shout, “¡Más, por favor!”

My version of Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza represents everything I believe in: fearless flavors, fresh ingredients, and food that makes you feel like every day is a fiesta! So, grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and let’s get ready to unleash some serious flavor magic. I’m bursting to share this Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza recipe with you!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking about powerhouse flavors that come together in a way that’ll make your tastebuds sing! And trust me, you can find this at most grocery stores, or even better, your local farmer’s market!

1 pound homemade pizza dough: Okay, you can use store-bought, but homemade pizza dough is where it’s at. I can share my go-to dough recipe if you want!
4 cups packed kale: Curly, lacinato, whatever you fancy. Just make sure it’s fresh and vibrant.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The real deal, not the stuff in the green can. This adds a salty, nutty depth.
1/4 cup pine nuts: Toasted for extra flavor. Toasting these bad boys brings out a nutty fragrance that is heavenly!
4 cloves garlic: Minced. Don’t be shy, we’re going for “garlicky” here!
1/4 cup olive oil: Extra virgin, of course! This is the foundation of our garlic pesto sauce.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Seasoning is key!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Because every pizza needs cheese! I personally love using fresh mozzarella when making Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza.
Optional vegetarian pizza toppings: Sliced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, mushrooms, red onion, artichoke hearts – go wild!

Here’s the Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza game-changer that will blow your mind: toasting the pine nuts before adding them to your pesto. It amps up the nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch that’s just irresistible. Splurge on good quality olive oil for this Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza recipe – trust me, you’ll taste the difference! I always grab mine from the farmers market.

For a budget-friendly alternative, use walnuts instead of pine nuts in your pesto. They’re cheaper and still add a delicious nutty flavor. To store the kale, wash it and pat it completely dry. Then, wrap it in paper towels and store it in a ziplock bag in the fridge. This should keep it fresh for up to a week!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s turn these ingredients into a Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza masterpiece! Don’t stress – your Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza is going to be incredible. And I’m here every step of the way!

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will give you a crispier crust.
Make the Garlicky Kale Pesto: In a food processor, combine the kale, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pro tip for Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza perfection: don’t over-process the pesto. You want it to have some texture.
Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to your desired shape and thickness. I like mine thin and crispy!
Assemble the Pizza: Place the dough on a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread the garlic pesto sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and any other vegetarian pizza toppings you desire. I find that this takes exactly 10 minutes in my kitchen.
Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (if using) or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza should look golden brown and smell like a garlicky dream.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy! This is where your Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza transforms into pure magic.

Here’s where most people mess up their Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza – they don’t preheat the pizza stone! Don’t skip this step, it makes a huge difference. If your pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency. And if you want an extra crispy crust, brush the edges with olive oil before baking.

While your Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Trust me, your friends will be drooling over this one.

PRESENTATION:

Let’s talk about making this Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza a showstopper! Because presentation is key, amiga! This isn’t just about food; it’s about creating an experience!

For maximum impact, slice your Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza into even slices and arrange them artfully on a wooden board or platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil for extra visual appeal. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza at casual get-togethers with friends. As for pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the pesto perfectly. I also love serving it with a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

This Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza absolutely slays at dinner parties! I’ve also made a mini version of this recipe by making crispy air fryer pizza rolls! It’s a great way to get people excited for the pizza while you finish it up! For leftover transformations, cold pizza is always a win! You can also chop it up and add it to a salad for a hearty and flavorful meal. And during the fall, I love adding roasted butternut squash to my Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza for a seasonal twist. It adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the garlicky pesto. You can also check out Jessica in the Kitchen’s Kale Pesto Pizza recipe!

FAQs:

Got questions about this Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza recipe? I got answers! Here are some common questions I’ve received from my fellow flavor adventurers:

Can I make this Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or sprinkle some on top of the pizza before baking. You can also use a spicy olive oil for an extra kick.
What if I don’t have pine nuts for my Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza?
No problem! You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds. Just make sure to toast them for the best flavor.
How do I know when my Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza is perfectly done?
The crust should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Can I make the Garlicky Kale Pesto ahead of time?
Yes! The pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from browning.
What other vegetarian pizza toppings would you recommend?
The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorites include roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and caramelized onions.
Can I freeze Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza?
I recommend freezing the pizza before baking it. Assemble the pizza as directed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it completely and bake as directed.
What if my pizza dough is too sticky?
Add a little bit of flour to your work surface and knead it into the dough until it’s no longer sticky. And remember – a little olive oil never hurt anyone!

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! Don’t be afraid to try new things and customize this Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza recipe to your liking. And if you mess up, don’t worry! Even the best chefs make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and keep cooking! If you want even more pizza recipes, check out spontaneous tomato’s Garlicky Kale Pizza Recipe. I’m confident that you will rock this recipe!

CONCLUSION:

This Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: fearless cooking, delicious food, and a whole lot of fun!

My Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza Power Tips:

Toast those pine nuts! This is non-negotiable.
Don’t be shy with the garlic! This is a garlicky pesto, after all.
Use good quality ingredients! It makes a difference.

Here are some Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza variations I’ve created and loved:

Spicy Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or sprinkle some on top of the pizza before baking.
Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to the pizza for a heartier meal.
Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza with Goat Cheese: Crumble goat cheese on top of the pizza before baking for a tangy and creamy twist. You can also check out Heather Christo’s Kale Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza for inspiration!

The Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza with goat cheese always gets the biggest reactions. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy. I am beyond confident you can make this pizza a signature dish in your home. Invite your friends over, turn up the music, and get ready to create some Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza memories! Don’t forget to share your results with me on social media! I can’t wait to see what you create. Here are more bold flavor adventures for you to try with my Pesto Chicken Skillet recipe! You can also find other flavor explosions with my Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls.

Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza

Print Recipe

This Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza is a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Featuring homemade kale pesto, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pre-made pizza dough
1 cup packed kale
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
Red pepper flakes, optional

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare the kale pesto: In a food processor, combine kale, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Add more olive oil if needed to reach desired consistency.
Stretch or roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
Spread kale pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
Top with mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.