Name: Arugula Tomato Cheese Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough; ½ cup tomato sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 2 cups fresh arugula; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional)

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I can’t wait to tell you about this Arugula Tomato Cheese Pizza recipe! The first time I made it, I was amazed at how the crisp crust paired so perfectly with the peppery arugula, sweet cherry tomatoes, and gooey cheese. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and the best part?

It was effortless to make! Whether it’s a casual dinner or you’re impressing guests, this pizza recipe is guaranteed to make everyone smile. Trust me, it’s so good, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. For more inspiration, you can also enjoy similar recipes like this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe.

Ingredients That Make It Extraordinary

Here’s everything you need to craft this delicious masterpiece!

Pizza dough (1 lb): Whether homemade or store-bought, aim for a dough that yields a crispy yet soft crust.
Tomato sauce (½ cup): The foundation of every great pizza! Choose a high-quality marinara for the best flavor.
Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Ensures every slice has that stretchy, gooey cheese pull!
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, these add a fresh pop of flavor.
Fresh arugula (2 cups): The peppery greens create that gourmet feel.
Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty depth to the toppings.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Drizzle over the pizza for enhanced richness.
Salt and pepper (to taste): A sprinkle brings everything together.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a spicy kick to your pizza.

Note: This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Taste-Boosting Variations to Try

This pizza is incredibly versatile! Here are some ways you can make it your own:

Dairy-Free Delight: Swap in dairy-free mozzarella or grated cashew cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust.
Make it Meaty: Add crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or sausage crumbles for extra protein.
Herb Explosion: Add fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic twist.
Turn up the Heat: Top with sliced jalapeños or chili oil for a spicy edge.

Cooking Time

You don’t need hours to whip up a restaurant-style pizza. Here’s how your time breaks down:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 27–30 minutes

Essential Tools for Perfect Pizza

Simplify your pizza-making process with these tools in your kitchen arsenal!

Pizza stone or baking sheet: For crisping up the crust like a pro.
Rolling pin: To roll your dough into the perfect base.
Kitchen knife: Precise slicing for your tomatoes and toppings.
Measuring cups and spoons: For portioning your sauce and cheese just right.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Make Arugula Tomato Cheese Pizza?

Making this pizza is a breeze and so much fun! Here’s how to create it, step by step.

Prepare the Pizza Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or your preferred thickness. I love a medium crust that’s soft inside with crisp edges. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.

Add the Base and Toppings

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes evenly, making sure there’s plenty on every slice. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired), then drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it around the 10-minute mark! You want the cheese to melt and bubble, and the crust to turn beautifully golden brown. The aroma at this point is pure heaven.

Add the Fresh Finishing Touches

Once you’ve taken the pizza out of the oven, top it with fresh arugula, letting the residual heat slightly wilt the greens. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top, and finish with one last drizzle of olive oil. This final touch adds a burst of freshness that takes your pizza to the next level!

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pizza into wedges and serve it piping hot. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and peppery flavors in every bite. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and the best part? It reminded me of the simplicity and elegance of recipes like this Neapolitan Pizza Crust Recipe.

Additional Tips for Pizza Perfection

From my kitchen to yours, here are some tips to make this the best pizza yet!

Room Temperature Dough: Warm dough is easier to roll out, so take it out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand.
Prevent a Soggy Crust: If your cherry tomatoes are extra juicy, pat them dry before adding to the pizza.
Try Different Cheese Mixes: I’ve found that mixing mozzarella with provolone or fontina adds even more flavor.
Use a Pizza Stone: It helps evenly cook the crust, giving you that perfect crispness.

How to Serve Arugula Tomato Cheese Pizza?

For a gourmet feel, place your pizza on a large wooden board or pizza peel before slicing. Garnish with extra Parmesan or basil leaves for added presentation points. Pair this pizza with a simple mixed greens salad or enjoy it alongside a crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving (one slice):

Calories: 250
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 8g

Make Ahead and Storage

Need to plan ahead or handle leftovers? Here’s what works best!

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and chop the toppings a few hours ahead of time. Simply store everything in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.

Storage: Refrigerate leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop your slice into an oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore its crispiness.

Freezing: For freezer-friendly pizza, pre-bake the crust (with just the sauce) for 5 minutes. Once cooled, add your cheese and toppings, then freeze. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer at 475°F (245°C) for 15–18 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Arugula Tomato Cheese Pizza has quickly become a favorite for so many reasons. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more!

Effortless Yet Impressive: It’s simple enough for beginners, yet the flavor and presentation feel like a gourmet treat.
Customizable: From the crust to the toppings, you can tweak it however you’d like to suit your tastes.
Quick to Make: Perfect for those busy nights when you need something fresh and delicious in under 30 minutes.
Loaded with Flavor: Each bite bursts with peppery arugula, fresh tomato, and melty cheese goodness.
Great for All Diets: Easy to adapt for vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free lifestyles.

Give this Arugula Tomato Cheese Pizza recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate blend of fresh and cheesy flavors! Happy cooking! For more lunch ideas, check out this Lunch Recipes Collection.