Pesto Pizza with Feta Stuffed Crust

Pesto Pizza with Feta Stuffed Crust is a deliciously elevated take on your classic pizza night. This vibrant pizza features a golden, cheesy crust stuffed with tangy feta and is topped with a fragrant basil pesto, melty mozzarella, and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect fusion of Mediterranean flair and comfort food indulgence, making it ideal for weeknight meals, gatherings, or a fun twist on a Friday pizza night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Herbaceous pesto delivers bold, fresh flavor
• Tangy feta-stuffed crust adds a surprise cheesy bite
• Melts of mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina create a rich, gooey topping
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
• Visually stunning with vibrant green and golden cheese
• Pairs beautifully with salads, soups, or wine
• A unique alternative to traditional red sauce pizzas
• Can be made with store-bought or homemade dough
• Fun to make and even more fun to eat
• Great for both vegetarians and meat-lovers (customizable)

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fontina cheese, shredded (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh oregano or Italian seasoning
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat.
2. Make the Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Prepare the Feta Filling: In another bowl, mix crumbled feta with a small amount of shredded mozzarella and a spoonful of the herb mixture.
4. Shape the Dough: Roll the pizza dough into a 12–14 inch circle on a floured surface.
5. Stuff the Crust: Place the feta mixture in a ring around the outer edge of the dough. Fold the edge over and press to seal, forming a stuffed crust.
6. Add the Toppings: Spread a thin layer of pesto over the center of the dough. Top with mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan cheese. Add roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes if using.
7. Season and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining herb mixture over the top. Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Meat Lovers: Add pepperoni, prosciutto, or grilled chicken
• Veggie Boost: Add artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or spinach
• Spicy Twist: Drizzle with chili oil or hot honey before serving
• Different Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta
• No Pesto? Use sun-dried tomato spread or garlic olive oil instead

storage/reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crust’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly. Choose one with fresh ingredients and a vibrant green color.

How do I keep the crust from leaking when stuffed?

Make sure to tightly seal the dough over the feta and press the edges down well. Use a bit of water if needed to help seal.

What’s the best cheese combo for this pizza?

A mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina gives the best melt and flavor.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free dough?

Yes, either option works well. Just adjust baking times slightly based on dough thickness.

Is this pizza freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the fully baked pizza. Reheat in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy.

What’s the best way to roll out pizza dough?

Let the dough rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes first, then roll or stretch gently on a floured surface.

Can I grill this pizza?

Yes, grill it over medium-high heat, closing the lid to melt the cheese. Use indirect heat for the stuffed crust to cook evenly.

What can I serve with this pizza?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, tomato soup, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the dough and toppings in advance and assemble just before baking.

Can I skip stuffing the crust?

Of course! The pesto and cheese topping alone make a fantastic pizza.

Conclusion

Pesto Pizza with Feta Stuffed Crust is the ultimate way to level up your homemade pizza game. With a creamy, tangy surprise inside the crust and a vibrant, cheesy pesto topping, this pizza is both comfort food and culinary adventure. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests—definitely a keeper in your recipe rotation.

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