How to Use Pesto as Pizza Base | Easy Tips for a Flavor-Packed Crust

We all love a good tomato-based pizza—but what if we told you that some of the best pizzas start not with marinara, but with pesto?

Using pesto as a pizza base transforms your pie into something herbaceous, rich, and wildly aromatic. Whether it’s a classic basil Genovese, a roasted red pepper pesto, or even a seasonal blend like butternut squash and sage, pesto gives your pizza a fresh twist while still delivering bold, satisfying flavor.

In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to use pesto as pizza base: the best dough techniques, cheese and topping pairings, when to add the pesto (before or after baking), and what kinds of pesto work best.

Why Pesto Works as a Pizza Sauce

Pesto brings several advantages over traditional pizza sauces:

3. Pairs Beautifully with Non-Traditional Toppings

• Works with goat cheese, ricotta, grilled vegetables, eggs, and even seafood

Choosing the Right Pesto for Pizza

Best Classic Choices:

• Pesto alla Genovese – Traditional basil-based; works with mozzarella, chicken, and tomatoes
• Pesto alla Trapanese – Tomato and almond-based; perfect for Mediterranean toppings
• Roasted Red Pepper Pesto – Sweet and smoky; pairs well with sausage or burrata

Great Seasonal Options:

• Kale and Walnut Pesto – Robust, earthy flavor for winter pizzas
• Zucchini Blossom Pesto – Delicate and creamy for white pizzas
• Carrot Top Pesto – Peppery and bright, great with tangy cheeses

Unique Flavor Twists:

• Fava Bean and Mint Pesto – Lively and green, delicious with feta and asparagus
• Beet and Ricotta Pesto – Stunning color and creamy texture for dramatic presentations

How to Apply Pesto to Pizza Dough

Best Cheese Pairings for Pesto Pizza

1. Mozzarella (Fresh or Low-Moisture)

• Melts beautifully and balances strong pesto flavors

2. Ricotta

• Creamy dollops bring richness without overpowering the sauce

3. Goat Cheese

• Tangy and earthy—pairs great with kale or walnut pestos

4. Burrata (After Baking)

• Soft, gooey center makes pesto pop; add post-oven for best results

5. Fontina or Provolone

• Melty, nutty, and bold—great for roasted veggie toppings

Top Topping Combos for Pesto Pizza

Classic Combos:

• Pesto + Mozzarella + Cherry Tomatoes + Grilled Chicken
• Pesto + Ricotta + Artichokes + Black Olives

Veggie-Focused:

• Pesto + Goat Cheese + Zucchini + Red Onion
• Pesto + Fontina + Mushrooms + Arugula

Luxe Options:

• Pesto + Burrata + Prosciutto + Figs
• Pesto + Caramelized Onions + Gorgonzola + Walnuts

When to Add Pesto – Before or After Baking?

Before Baking:

• Works best for thicker pestos like basil, kale, or broccoli
• Helps the sauce caramelize slightly and meld with toppings

After Baking:

• Ideal for delicate pestos like zucchini blossom, beet, or fava bean
• Add a fresh drizzle or dollops on top for contrast and color
• Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to swirl post-bake for presentation

Alternative Ideas Using Pesto on Pizza

• Pizza Bianca with Pesto Drizzle: Use garlic oil base, then drizzle pesto post-bake
• Pesto Crust: Brush pesto on crust edges before baking for a flavor boost
• Stuffed Pesto Crust: Roll pesto inside dough edges for a gooey surprise
• Pesto Swirl: Marble different pestos for a multi-colored pizza

Pesto: The Pizza Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed

Using pesto as a pizza base is more than just a clever switch—it’s a flavor revolution. Whether you’re going classic with basil and mozzarella or bold with beetroot and goat cheese, pesto opens up a world of creative, craveable pies.

So next pizza night, skip the red sauce. Grab that jar of green gold, and turn your pizza into a masterpiece.