Portobello Pesto Pizza

I came up with this super delicious pizza cause I wanted a version similar to one I used to get at a favorite pizza joint. And it worked. A memory is good thing! This pizza is loaded with mushrooms, roasted red pepper, pesto and goat cheese over a bed of marinara and mozzarella. Deliciousness. Make one today - you won't be sorry! Start by preparing your favorite pizza crust - you can make one from scratch, use a store bought, whatever works best. Heat a skillet over medium heat and coat with a bit of olive oil. Add the garlic and the sliced mushrooms,

and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant. Spread the marinara evenly over the crust and top with the mozzarella.

You can use shredded or sliced - I used sliced cause I had it on hand. Top the cheese with the mushrooms and the roasted red pepper.

Now spoon dollops of pesto over the pizza - about 1/2 teaspoon at a time.

And finally, sprinkle goat cheese, or queso fresco, whichever you prefer, randomly over the top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden. It will be hard to wait. Just thought I'd warn you. But it will be worth it.

One year ago: Mediterranean Shrimp and Pasta
Two years ago: Pear Cake with Pine Nuts
Three years ago: Beef Stroganoff

Find more inspiration at Mangia Mondays, Menu Monday, My Meatless Monday, Midnight Maniac Meatless Monday, Mop it up Monday, Seasonal Inspiration, Mix it up Monday, Melt in your Mouth Monday, the Sweet Spot Recipe Party, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesday at the Table, Tasty Tuesday (#2), Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Totally Tasty Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesday (#3), A Little Birdie Told Me, Tuesday Talent Show, Hearth and Soul, Cast Party Wednesday, What's Cooking Wednesday, Whole Foods Wednesday, Foodie Friday.

Portobello Pesto Pizza

One pizza crust for large pizza
1 tsp. olive oil
4 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup marinara sauce
8 oz. mozzarella cheese
1/2 of a large roasted red pepper, sliced
1/4 cup basil pesto
2 oz. crumbled goat cheese or queso fresco

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Saute garlic and mushrooms for 2-3 minutes until mushrooms are tender and fragrant. Spread marinara sauce over pizza crust. Top with mozzarella, then mushrooms and peppers. Dollop pesto over the top, and then crumble goat cheese over the entire pizza. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden. Serves 4.