Sweet and vinegary balsamic roasted strawberries replace classic tomatoes on a mozzarella pizza. Try the berries served with ricotta as an appetizer, too.
It may seem like a waste to take juicy, perfectly ripe sweet strawberries and roast them, but I promise you, the result is worth it. 
These roasted strawberries could really be put to use on anything- served atop crostini with ricotta or brie or goat’s milk cheese, swirled into yogurt, or mixed with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream. These strawberries spooned over a scoop of vanilla ice cream even sounds dreamy right now. This recipe was loosely inspired by Heidi Swanson’s Roasted Strawberry recipe in her book, Super Natural Every Day. Heidi uses a hefty dose of maple syrup and some port wine to flavor her strawberries, but I enjoy the combination of honey and strawberries here.
I tossed them atop a simple white pizza with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts. Think of these strawberries replacing the tomatoes on a margarita pizza. The burst of sweetness you get with them combined with the salty cheese is addicting. I use a favorite crust of mine that I make at home, but your favorite pizza dough should work. I combine whole wheat flour, semolina flour, and cornmeal with water, yeast, honey, olive oil and salt in the food processor, blitz until a dough ball forms and allow the dough to rise before dividing it into smaller pieces.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza 1x
Description
Sweet and tangy balsamic roasted strawberries replace traditional tomatoes on this mozzarella pizza, creating a unique and addictive flavor combination.
Ingredients
Balsamic Roasted Strawberries
- 8 ounces strawberries (washed and hulled and halved (quartered if large strawberries))
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (preferably local)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon good quality balsamic vinegar
Pizza
- 8 ounces 1/2 pound of your favorite pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella (torn roughly into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/4 cup roughly torn fresh basil leaves
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss the strawberries with olive oil, honey, and salt. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the strawberries for 25-30 minutes, or until they are soft and have released their juices. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) for baking the pizza.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Arrange the sliced mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Scatter the roasted strawberries over the mozzarella.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use your favorite pizza dough recipe or store-bought dough for convenience. The roasted strawberries can also be used in other dishes like crostini or desserts. Store any leftover roasted strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey for the roasted strawberries?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
What type of pizza dough do you recommend for this recipe?
While I use a homemade crust made with whole wheat flour, semolina flour, and cornmeal, you can also use your favorite store-bought pizza dough.
How do I know when the roasted strawberries are done?
The strawberries are done when they are soft, have released their juices, and become slightly caramelized, usually taking about 20-25 minutes in the oven.
