This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
#GrillWithATwist #CollectiveBias
Piled high with summery California-style toppings and pesto, juicy grilled burger pieces and lots of cheese, this loaded pizza is perfect for lazy summer nights!
Because EVERYTHING is better California-style.
Including pizza loaded with truckloads of healthy goodness. And cheese sneakily hidden underneath all the healthy stuff because we’ve just gotta live a little bit because it’s almost the long-anticipated HOLIDAY weekend! Bring IT.
Also because obviously a cheese-less pizza equals a sad pizza. A sacrilegious pizza.
And we just don’t want either of those words in the same sentence as pizza. Eveeeeer.
Okay, so I’m kinda unleashing my wild side a little bit with this pizza today. There is a LOT of stuff going on.
And you really wouldn’t want it any other way, believe me. 😉
First off, the meat. We’re going to be using grilled ‘n’ chopped-up MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burgers on this pizza. Guys, do NOT let the suspicious title fool ‘ya: these burgers are heaven on on pizza. They’re so ultra-juicy and flavorful, plus BONUS: they make this pizza totally meatless which adds to the overall feeling of healthy-ish California-style eatin’ that I’m clearly obsessing over. ♥
P.S. if you’re looking for something fun to experiment, I’d recommend checking out the Veg of Allegiance from MorningStar Farms! I so want to try this.
But first I think is should finish stuffing my pizza with insanity.
i.e. the overload of Topping City. Welcome to my shrine.
Firstly, the pesto. A smooth, luscious, flavorful ricotta-green pesto taking the place of the red stuff. I may never use pizza sauce again.
Any fresh summer-style ingredients you fancy may be piled onto this pizza. I personally swoon over the combo of juicy fresh tomatoes, crisp arugula leaves, and sliced avocado.
Extra avocado because I have recently discovered that avocado + pizza = The YUM.
This pizza will blow your mind in pretty much the best way. It’s got a little bit of everything awesome plus healthy loaded into it and you really cannot ask any more of a pizza.
Except for another slice.
Because it’s healthy, obviously.
All hail California-style errrr’thing!
California-Style Cheeseburger Pesto Pizza
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- Pizza crust dough for two 12 in pizzas
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burgers
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped fresh arugula
- 1 avocado sliced
Instructions
- Roll pizza crust dough into 2 (12 in) circles on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Set aside.
- Place kale, basil, walnuts, and garlic in a food processor. With processor running, drizzle olive oil through top. Add ricotta cheese to mixture and pulse until smooth. Season pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean burgers over medium-high heat 10-15 minutes or until burgers register 165F. Let cool slightly then chop into 1/2-in pieces.
- Assemble the pizzas: Spread pesto-ricotta evenly over prepared crusts. Sprinkle with cheese and top with diced burger pieces.
- Bake pizzas at 425F 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle each pizza evenly with chopped tomatoes, arugula and sliced avocado. Cut pizzas into wedges and serve immediately.
Be sure to check out this coupon for saving 20% on all MorningStar Farms products!
Then go stuff your face with more Cali-pizza. Because tomorrow is FRIDAY!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This pizza looks SO good, Sarah! Pesto and burgers, what a fantastic combination! I love morningstar products, so this is such a great way to incorporate them! I think I could pretty much devour this pizza, it looks so delicious!
Sarah says
Thanks Gayle! This pizza sounds right up your alley! You must try it. 😉
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Those spicy black bean burgers are my favorite frozen veggie burgers. What a great idea to put them on a pizza!
Sarah says
Aren’t they awesome?? I totally love them better than regular meat burgers!
Chelsea@TableForOne says
I am dying! MorningStar products are my favorite and this pizza looks absolutely delicious. What a fun holiday weekend treat.
Sarah says
Thanks so much Chelsea!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
This is such a great way to use Morning Star’s Bean Burger. I want a slice of this pizza for breakfast this morning!
Sarah says
This = the best breakfast EVER. 😉 LOL. Thanks Jen!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I want to make this for dinner. I love the pesto, avocado and everything else about it. It’s perfect for pizza night!
Sarah says
Thanks Ashley! It definitely brings the flavors to pizza night!! 🙂
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
What a delicious looking pesto pizza! Absolutely delish and stunning! Yummy!
Sarah says
Thank you Anu!!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
OMG love love love pesto and pizza together! I love veggie burgers, what a fun twist on how eat burgers!! You had me at pizza though 🙂
Sarah says
Magic word, right?? 😉 Thanks Sam!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Oh my gosh, this pizza is everything! I love Morning Star’s spicy black bean burgers! Such a great idea to add them to a pizza! It looks incredible and sounds delicious with all those other veggies and pesto!
Sarah says
Aren’t their burgers the best thing eveeeer?! It’s totally outta-this-world on pizza. 😉