This goat cheese and arugula pizza recipe is the perfect combination of tangy and fresh flavors. A delightfully crispy crust topped with juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy goat cheese and peppery arugula, this pizza is a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food.
Heirloom tomatoes and baby arugula might not be staples in every household, but they are essential to this recipe. Heirloom tomatoes are known for their rich, juicy flavor which pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the goat cheese. Baby arugula, on the other hand, adds a peppery note to balance out the richness. These ingredients can typically be found in the produce section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza
Pizza crust: The base of any great pizza, choose a crust that suits your preference. Store-bought is fine, but making your own can take your pizza to the next level.
Olive oil: Used to brush the pizza crust before baking, it adds a subtle richness to the overall flavor.
Heirloom tomatoes: These are sweeter and juicier than regular tomatoes, enhancing the flavor of the pizza.
Goat cheese: This type of cheese has a distinct tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Baby arugula: Adds a peppery kick to the pizza, providing a balance to the richness of the cheese and tomatoes.
One reader, Cherilyn Beals says:
This goat cheese and arugula pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tangy goat cheese, fresh arugula, and juicy heirloom tomatoes on a crispy crust is simply divine. It's a burst of flavors in every bite, and it's become a regular in my dinner rotation. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
How to layer the pizza crust: Lay the pizza crust out on a floured surface, then brush the top of the crust with olive oil. Layer on the sliced tomatoes and goat cheese.
How to bake the pizza: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (or according to package instructions, if store-bought) until the crust is slightly golden and the cheese has just slightly begun to brown around the edges.
How to garnish with arugula: Remove the pizza from the oven, then garnish with fresh arugula. Serve immediately.
How To Make Heirloom Tomato, Arugula & Goat Cheese Pizza
Enjoy a bite of this colorful and easy to make tasty cheese pizza topped with fresh heirloom tomatoes, baby arugula, goat cheese!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1mediumpizza crust,unbaked, homemade, or store-bought
- 2tbspolive oil
- 3heirloom tomatoes,thinly sliced
- ⅓cupgoat cheese,crumbled
- 1cupbaby arugula,fresh, to garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Lay the pizza crust out on a floured surface. Brush the top of the crust with olive oil. Then layer on the sliced tomatoes and goat cheese.
-
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (or according to package instructions, if storebought) until crust is slightly golden and the cheese has just slightly begun to brown around the edges.
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Remove from oven, then garnish with fresh arugula. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 333.09kcal
- Fat: 12.91g
- Saturated Fat: 3.83g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.98g
- Carbohydrates: 43.65g
- Fiber: 3.29g
- Sugar: 3.12g
- Protein: 10.67g
- Cholesterol: 6.90mg
- Sodium: 564.45mg
- Calcium: 95.36mg
- Potassium: 316.75mg
- Iron: 2.95mg
- Vitamin A: 83.93µg
- Vitamin C: 12.89mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting This Pizza Recipe
To ensure your goat cheese melts evenly and doesn't burn, consider adding it halfway through the baking process. This will allow the pizza crust to become golden and crispy without overcooking the cheese. Additionally, adding the arugula after the pizza is cooked keeps it fresh and crisp, adding a nice contrast to the warm, melted cheese.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pizza Recipe
Plan ahead: Pre-cook the pizza crust and store it in the freezer. This way, you can have it ready to use whenever you want to make a quick goat cheese and arugula pizza.
Prep in advance: Wash and dry the arugula and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble the pizza.
Use store-bought crust: If you're short on time, opt for a pre-made pizza crust from the store. It will cut down on the prep time significantly.
Pre-slice the tomatoes: Slice the heirloom tomatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble the pizza.
Multi-task: While the pizza is baking, use that time to prepare a simple side salad or set the table for a complete meal.
Substitute Ingredients For Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza Recipe
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar tangy and salty flavor to goat cheese, making it a great substitute for this pizza recipe.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a milder flavor compared to arugula and will wilt nicely on the pizza when baked.
Presenting Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza
Elevate the pizza crust: Use a homemade pizza crust or a high-quality store-bought crust. Ensure it is perfectly shaped and has a golden, crispy texture.
Artfully arrange the heirloom tomatoes: Slice the heirloom tomatoes uniformly and arrange them in a visually appealing pattern on the pizza crust. Use a variety of colors for an eye-catching presentation.
Crumble the goat cheese delicately: Crumble the goat cheese over the tomatoes with precision, ensuring an even distribution across the pizza. The creamy texture of the goat cheese should complement the vibrant colors of the tomatoes.
Garnish with baby arugula: Sprinkle the baby arugula over the pizza with finesse, creating a beautiful contrast against the tomatoes and goat cheese. The vibrant green color will add freshness to the presentation.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish the pizza with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, adding a glossy sheen and enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
Cut into elegant slices: Use a sharp pizza cutter to slice the pizza into elegant portions, ensuring each slice showcases the colorful toppings and inviting aroma.
Storing and Freezing Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza
Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy and the toppings from sliding off.
To store leftover pizza in the refrigerator, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, the pizza will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the pizza for later consumption, wrap the individual slices tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date of freezing. Frozen pizza can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated pizza, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For frozen pizza, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or reheat it directly from the freezer. To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen slices on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pizza is heated through and the crust is crispy.
Keep in mind that the texture of the arugula may change after freezing and thawing, as it is a delicate leafy green. If you plan on freezing the pizza, you may want to add fresh arugula after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Pizza
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the crust while keeping the toppings warm and gooey.
For a quicker reheat, use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method is perfect for those who prefer a crispy crust and don't want to wait for the oven to preheat.
If you have a toaster oven, you can easily reheat your leftover pizza. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on the wire rack. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method is ideal for those who want a quick and easy reheat without compromising on quality.
For a unique twist, try reheating your pizza on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the slices on the grates and close the lid. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method adds a smoky flavor to your leftover pizza and is perfect for outdoor dining.
If you want to maintain the softness of the crust, microwave reheating is an option. Place the pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted. To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, place a glass of water in the microwave alongside the pizza. The water will absorb excess moisture and keep the crust from becoming too soft.
Interesting Fact About Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza
Goat cheese and arugula pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. Goat cheese is lower in fat and calories compared to other cheeses, and arugula is packed with vitamins and minerals. This pizza is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while still enjoying a classic comfort food.
Is Making Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza at Home Cost-Effective?
The goat cheese and arugula pizza recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including the pizza crust, olive oil, heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese, and arugula, are reasonably priced and widely available. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish offers a delightful culinary experience. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its taste, simplicity, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal option.
Is This Pizza Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This goat cheese and arugula pizza recipe can be considered relatively healthy, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional aspects:
- Heirloom tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Goat cheese is lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol compared to many other cheeses, and it provides protein and calcium.
- Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green, offering vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium.
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
However, the overall healthiness of the pizza depends on the crust, which can be high in calories and refined carbohydrates if not made with whole grain flour.
To make this pizza even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a whole wheat or multigrain pizza crust to increase fiber intake and provide more complex carbohydrates.
- Reduce the amount of goat cheese used, or replace it with a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella.
- Add more vegetables to the pizza, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content and fiber.
- Use a light hand when brushing the crust with olive oil to control calorie and fat intake.
- Pair the pizza with a side salad to make it a more balanced meal and add extra vitamins and minerals.
Editor's Opinion on This Arugula and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
This goat cheese and arugula pizza recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the heirloom tomatoes pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, while the peppery arugula adds a fresh and vibrant finish. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each component to shine, making it a sophisticated yet approachable dish. The use of a pre-made pizza crust makes it a quick and easy option for a delicious meal. Overall, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking to elevate their pizza game with a touch of gourmet flair.
Enhance Your Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza
Why trust this Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its fresh and high-quality ingredients. The heirloom tomatoes bring a burst of vibrant flavor, while the creamy goat cheese adds a rich and tangy element. The peppery arugula provides a refreshing contrast, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. With a drizzle of olive oil enhancing the overall taste, this pizza promises a delightful journey for your taste buds. Trust in the quality of these ingredients to elevate your culinary experience.
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