Name: Pepperoni and Burrata Pizza with Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 4 oz burrata cheese; 20–25 slices pepperoni; 2–3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Cornmeal or flour, for dusting

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Pepperoni and Burrata Pizza with Pesto is my go-to when I want to turn pizza night into something unforgettable. This recipe brings together spicy, crispy pepperoni, creamy burrata, and a swirl of vibrant basil pesto—all on a crispy crust. It’s rich, savory, fresh, and indulgent all at once, and every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pizza feels both elevated and comforting. The burrata melts into the hot crust for a creamy finish, while the pepperoni adds that irresistible salty crunch. The pesto brightens everything with fresh basil and garlic notes. It’s easy to put together with a few quality ingredients, and it tastes like something straight from a gourmet pizzeria—only I get to enjoy it in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Burrata cheese
Sliced pepperoni
Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
Olive oil
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the baking surface)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and let the pizza dough come to room temperature.
On a lightly floured or cornmeal-dusted surface, I stretch or roll out the dough into my desired shape.
I transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
I drizzle a bit of olive oil over the crust, then add the pepperoni slices evenly across the surface.
I bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the pepperoni is crisp.
As soon as it comes out of the oven, I tear the burrata and dot it over the hot pizza so it starts to melt.
I spoon pesto over the top in dollops or swirls, then sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if I want some extra heat.
I finish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, which serves 2–3 people depending on appetite. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to bake, so I can have this ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

I’ve swapped the pepperoni for spicy salami when I want something a little different.
For a vegetarian version, I skip the meat and load it up with roasted red peppers or artichokes.
Sometimes I add a thin layer of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes under the pepperoni for a saucier base.
A drizzle of hot honey on top adds a sweet-and-spicy finish I really enjoy.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it softens the crust more than I like.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of burrata?

Yes, I’ve done that plenty of times. Burrata is creamier, but fresh mozzarella is a great substitute and melts beautifully.

Do I need to cook the pesto?

No, I always add the pesto after baking to preserve its bright color and fresh flavor.

Can I make this on a grill?

Absolutely. I’ve grilled the pizza dough for a charred crust, then added toppings and closed the lid to finish cooking.

What kind of crust works best?

I like a classic thin crust or Neapolitan-style dough. A store-bought crust works just fine too if I’m short on time.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. I use a gluten-free pizza dough and follow the same instructions. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Pepperoni and Burrata Pizza with Pesto is everything I want in a pizza—creamy, spicy, fresh, and indulgent. It’s simple to make but tastes gourmet, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m making it for a weekend dinner or a casual get-together, this pizza always delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.