Mediterranean Pizza: A Taste of Sunshine at Home

I can still picture it: the sun-drenched patio, the scent of oregano and basil hanging in the air, and that first, glorious bite of Mediterranean pizza. It wasn’t in some fancy seaside restaurant, but at my local Schlotzsky’s Deli, a lunchtime staple during my college days. When that particular location closed its doors, a piece of my routine disappeared. Determined to recapture that flavor, I embarked on a delicious mission to recreate it at home, and I’m thrilled to share the results with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 mini pizzas
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 16 ounces basil pesto (premade or purchased)
• 6 pita breads (can use Boboli pizza breads)
• 6 ounces black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 16 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Oven

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pizzas bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.

2. Prepare the base of each pizza by generously spreading an even layer of basil pesto over each of the pita breads. Don’t be shy with the pesto; it’s the foundation of the Mediterranean flavor.

3. Now, it’s time to add the toppings. Sprinkle the sliced black olives, diced red onion, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the pesto-covered pita breads. Distribute them according to your preference, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

4. Crumble the feta cheese over the toppings. The salty, tangy feta adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the pesto.

5. Finally, generously cover the entire pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a gooey, cheesy blanket that holds all the flavors together.

6. Carefully transfer the prepared pizzas to a baking sheet.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pita bread is lightly toasted around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Note: If you prefer, you can substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with fresh, diced tomatoes for a brighter, fresher flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the fresh tomatoes before adding them to the pizza to prevent a soggy crust.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Toast the Pita Bread: For an extra crispy crust, lightly toast the pita bread in a toaster or under the broiler for a minute or two before adding the toppings.
• Pesto Perfection: Homemade pesto elevates this pizza to a new level. If you have the time, consider making your own using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
• Cheese Control: Don’t overload the pizzas with mozzarella. Too much cheese can make the crust soggy.
• Even Baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the toppings.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: If using fresh tomatoes, squeeze out excess juice to prevent a soggy pizza base. You can also brush the pita bread with olive oil before adding the pesto.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Mediterranean pizza hot out of the oven, cut into slices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a light soup.

Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, you can use the oven, toaster oven, or microwave. For best results, reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy crust. Microwave reheating may result in a softer crust.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	20g	40%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pita bread or pizza crust.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute feta and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor. Use vegan pesto or make your own, ensuring it doesn’t contain Parmesan cheese.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein-packed pizza.
• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate other Mediterranean vegetables such as artichoke hearts, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Herby Goodness: Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Different Cheese: Try using goat cheese, ricotta, or provolone.
• Pesto Variety: Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular pizza dough instead of pita bread?
A: Absolutely! Regular pizza dough works well. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may require a longer cooking time.

Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can substitute with fresh diced tomatoes, just be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the pizza.

Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
A: It’s best to bake the pizza fresh for optimal quality. However, you can freeze individual slices after baking. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as goat cheese, provolone, or ricotta.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey back to sunny afternoons and carefree moments. I encourage you to try this simple yet flavorful recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your perfect slice of Mediterranean sunshine. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate Mediterranean experience. Buon appetito!