Name: Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve never tried the delightful combination of sweet, juicy berries and creamy ricotta on pizza, you’re in for an absolute treat with this Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza. Every bite is an inspiring blend of savory, sweet, and herbaceous flavors, with basil bringing it all together for an unforgettable meal or appetizer. This is the recipe I pull out to wow guests—or simply to elevate a Friday night at home. It’s colorful, fresh, and unexpectedly delicious, making it a true showstopper!

Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dazzling dish comes together with just a handful of vibrant ingredients, each playing a key role in its irresistible flavor and restaurant-worthy presentation. Keeping it simple allows every layer to shine through and ensures this pizza is foolproof to pull together any night of the week.

Unbaked pizza crust: Acts as the canvas for all your glorious toppings, so use your favorite store-bought or homemade dough.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the crust turn beautifully golden and just crisp enough.
Blackberries: Their tangy sweetness bursts on the palate, playing off the richness of the cheeses and the earthiness of basil.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, giving the pizza that classic stretchy cheese factor.
Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty depth that balances the fruitiness of the blackberries.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy, dreamy dollops mellow and elevate every bite, lending a luxurious texture.
Fresh basil leaves: Their peppery, herbal notes brighten the whole pizza for an extra pop of flavor and color.

How to Make Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza

Step 1: Preheat Your Pizza Stone

Start by preheating your pizza stone in an oven set to a whopping 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is what gives the Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza its irresistible crispy base and gets all the cheeses melting together in harmony, so don’t rush this part!

Step 2: Prep the Crust and Smash Blackberries

Roll out your unbaked pizza crust to fit your stone or baking sheet. Brush it generously with olive oil for golden, flavorful edges. Take half of the blackberries, give them a rough smash with a fork, and spread them over the crust. This base layer is going to soak into the dough, guaranteeing juicy bites from end to end.

Step 3: Layer on the Cheeses

Next, sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across your blackberry-smeared crust. These cheeses will melt together into a wonderfully gooey, savory blanket, contrasting perfectly with the sweet-tart berries.

Step 4: Add Remaining Blackberries and Dollops of Ricotta

Halve the remaining blackberries so they nestle nicely among the cheese, ensuring each slice is loaded with berry goodness. Drop little spoonfuls of ricotta all over—don’t be shy! The creamy pockets this creates are little surprise bursts of decadence in every mouthful of Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza.

Step 5: Bake and Add Basil

Slide the pizza onto your hot stone and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese browns and bubbles in luscious golden spots. While it’s baking, roughly chop or chiffonade your basil leaves. About two minutes before you pull the pizza from the oven, scatter the basil generously on top. The quick blast of heat lets the basil wilt slightly, releasing all that fresh herby aroma.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a minute or two to allow the cheese to set, then slice it into eight generous pieces. Prepare to have all your senses awakened as you dig in!

How to Serve Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza

Garnishes

For a true showstopper appearance, finish your Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza with a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flakey sea salt as soon as it’s out of the oven. Add a few whole basil leaves or even some edible flowers for a vibrant, fresh touch that will wow anyone lucky enough to snag a slice.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette. Alternatively, a platter of roasted vegetables or a chilled cucumber salad complements the fruity, herby flavors without overshadowing the main event. If you’re serving this as part of a brunch, a lightly sparkling Prosecco or lemonade instantly elevates the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Try slicing the Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza into small squares for a colorful appetizer platter, or serve whole for a dramatic centerpiece. For parties, offer a “make your own pizza” bar with extra berries and fresh herbs for guests to customize their slices. Tiny basil sprigs or a scattering of microgreens can add a chef-y touch that makes the whole presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers of this irresistible pizza, let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days; the berries keep the slices moist and the flavors deepen as they rest.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza! After baking and cooling, wrap the slices in parchment and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to a month. When you crave a sweet-savory treat, you’re only a few minutes away from homemade magic.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat slices in a hot oven or toaster oven for about 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps the crust crispy and revives the cheese’s gooey, dreamy sheen. The microwave works in a pinch, but be warned—crispiness may be sacrificed for speed!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before smashing and adding to the pizza. Frozen berries can be just as sweet and vibrant once baked, especially when fresh berries are out of season.

What crust works best for Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza?

A classic pizza dough or even a store-bought pre-baked crust works well. For an extra crispy base, opt for a thinner style crust, but if you love that chewy, artisan feel, a thicker hand-stretched dough is heavenly.

Can I substitute another cheese for ricotta?

Definitely! Creamy goat cheese or even a mild feta can substitute for ricotta, giving your Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza a tangier profile. Whipped cream cheese or mascarpone also work for a rich, ultra-smooth finish.

Is there a way to make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust or flatbread base. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a fantastic choice for varied dietary needs.

How can I make this pizza extra savory?

For an extra layer of savory goodness, try adding a sprinkle of crispy prosciutto, crumbled bacon, or a few slices of thinly-shaved red onion to your Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza before baking.

Final Thoughts

Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza is one of those dishes that turns an ordinary meal into something you’ll talk about for weeks. With just a few fresh ingredients and a simple process, you can bring something truly special to the table. I hope you give this recipe a try and let these unexpected yet harmonious flavors surprise you in the best way!

Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 (14 to 16-inch) pizza 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and unique twist on traditional pizza, this Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza combines the sweetness of blackberries with the savory flavors of ricotta and two types of cheese, all topped with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza:

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 pizza stone in oven: Preheat a 14 to 16-inch pizza stone in an oven set to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread olive oil and blackberries on crust: Prepare 1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust. Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil over the crust. Smash half of the blackberries and spread them out over the crust as well.
Add cheeses: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese over the pizza.
Add remaining blackberries and ricotta: Halve the remaining blackberries and scatter them over the pizza. Place heaping teaspoon-sized spoonfuls of ricotta randomly over the pizza.
Bake. Add basil leaves: Bake on the pizza stone for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese starts to brown. While the pizza is baking roughly chop or chiffonade (cut into strips) 10 large fresh basil leaves. Scatter basil over the pizza during the last few minutes of baking.
Serve: Remove from oven and slice into 8 large slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian