
Are you ready to elevate your pizza game? This Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza is the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, all wrapped in a crisp, thin-crust base. It’s a gourmet yet simple recipe that transforms everyday pizza into a culinary masterpiece.
This pizza starts with an olive oil and blackberry smash as its sauce, layered with mozzarella and parmesan, then topped with fresh blackberries, basil, and dollops of creamy ricotta cheese. The result? A refreshing and sophisticated dish that’s perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or whenever you’re craving something unique.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Totally Unique: A creative twist on pizza flavors, perfect for adventurous eaters
- Simple Gourmet: No need for fancy tools or complicated steps
- Family-Friendly: Great for introducing kids to new flavors
- Versatile Crust Options: Use store-bought, homemade, or even gluten-free crusts
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this pizza so special
- Pizza Crust: Use your favorite premade or homemade crust. We recommend our Easy Homemade Pizza Dough for the best results
- Blackberries: Fresh are ideal, but frozen and thawed work with the right prep
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: For that gooey, cheesy goodness with a nutty, salty kick
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy dollops that give this pizza its gourmet edge
- Basil: Freshly chopped for a pop of vibrant, herbaceous flavor
- Olive Oil: Acts as the base for the blackberry smash sauce

How to Make Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza
Follow these simple steps to create this delectable pizza at home
Ingredients
- 1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups blackberries (about 1 pint)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 10 large fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)

Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F with a pizza stone inside for the crispiest crust
- Prepare the crust and brush it with olive oil. Smash half the blackberries and spread the mixture over the crust as your base sauce
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top
- Slice the remaining blackberries in half and scatter them across the pizza. Add teaspoon-sized dollops of ricotta cheese randomly
- Bake the pizza for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown
- In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle fresh basil strips on top. Alternatively, add basil right after removing the pizza from the oven for maximum flavor
- Slice, serve, and enjoy
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Blackberries: If fresh blackberries are unavailable, use thawed frozen ones. Drain excess juice and pat them dry to prevent a soggy crust
- Cheese Substitutions: Try goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier twist
- Crust Alternatives: Swap traditional pizza dough for naan, flatbread, or even a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option

FAQs for Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe
Add ricotta cheese before baking for a warm, slightly caramelized flavor. Use teaspoon-sized dollops spaced across the pizza to ensure even distribution
For best results, add basil during the last few minutes of baking or after removing the pizza from the oven to maintain its fresh, vibrant flavor
Ricotta isn’t a direct substitute for mozzarella because it doesn’t melt the same way. However, it’s an excellent complement to mozzarella for a creamy and rich texture
Most pizza lovers agree ricotta should go on before baking. This allows it to meld with the other ingredients while still retaining its creamy texture
Ricotta is mild, slightly sweet, and creamy, while mozzarella is saltier and stretchier. Together, they create a delicious balance of textures and flavors
Yes! Thaw frozen blackberries thoroughly, drain excess liquid, and pat them dry before using. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy

Variations to Try
- Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle hot honey over the pizza for a sweet, spicy kick
- Blackberry Prosciutto Pizza: Add thin slices of prosciutto for a salty contrast to the sweet blackberries
- Goat Cheese Upgrade: Substitute ricotta with goat cheese for a tangy flavor profile
Related Recipes
- Do Italians Put Basil on Pizza?
- Zucchini Sheet Pan Pizza
- How to Put Basil on Pizza Without Burning It
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days
- Reheating: Warm in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to revive the crust and toppings. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crust’s crispness

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Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 (14 to 16-inch) pizza 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Are you ready to elevate your pizza game? This Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza is the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, all wrapped in a crisp, thin-crust base. It’s a gourmet yet simple recipe that transforms everyday pizza into a culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 to 16-inch) unbaked pizza crust
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups blackberries (about 1 pint)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 10 large fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F with a pizza stone inside for the crispiest crust.
- Prepare the crust and brush it with olive oil. Smash half the blackberries and spread the mixture over the crust as your base sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
- Slice the remaining blackberries in half and scatter them across the pizza. Add teaspoon-sized dollops of ricotta cheese randomly.
- Bake the pizza for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown.
- In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle fresh basil strips on top. Alternatively, add basil right after removing the pizza from the oven for maximum flavor.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor, but thawed frozen ones can work if drained and patted dry. Ricotta adds creaminess but can be swapped with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gourmet
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg