Beetroot and goat’s cheese pizza with rocket
Remember that beer pizza dough I made yonks ago? Here’s an easy, ridiculously delicious pizza topping for you: beetroot! Not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pizza, but an unbelievable choice nonetheless, especially with plenty of crumbled goat’s cheese and a big heap of fresh rocket.
We’re currently lucky enough that fresh beetroot is in season, but if you want to make this pizza at any other time of year, it works perfectly well with pickled beetroot too – in fact, that’s what I used. I do use fresh beetroot sometimes (see!), but when you want a quick dinner that doesn’t involve flicking deep red beetroot juice all over your kitchen as you peel the awkward thing, pickled beetroot is for you!
I used pickled baby beetroot from Haywards (they also do sliced beetroot if you’re feeling super lazy). I love the enormous jars this stuff comes in (but despite their size, my family usually has at least 3 of these in the cupboard at all times), and the beetroot itself is beautifully soft and sweet. It only takes a few seconds to chop it up, then just pop it right on your pizza.
I used basil pesto instead of tomato sauce on my pizza – the flavour goes perfectly with the tangy goat’s cheese and sweet beetroot, and the peppery rocket finishes it all off perfectly (don’t skip it!). I also used a tiny bit of mozzarella, to give those nice crispy bits on top!
By the way, if you’re at all concerned that using pickled beetroot will give your pizza a really vinegary taste, don’t be! The flavour mellows a lot when the beetroot is cooked, so even if you’re not a fan of pickled beetroot straight out of the jar, you’ll love this pizza. I could have quite easily polished off the lot (…I didn’t though).
To see more recipes using Haywards beetroot (including this one!) and pickled onions, take a look at their website!
Beetroot and goat's cheese pizza with rocket
Ingredients
- 1 homemade or shop-bought pizza crust
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- 3 Hayward's pickled baby beetroots sliced
- 50 g soft goat’s cheese crumbled
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh rocket to serve
Instructions
- Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Spread the pesto over the pizza crust, and add the sliced beetroots and crumbled goat's cheese. Sprinkle over the grated mozzarella, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bake for around 10-15 minutes, until the pizza crust is golden brown and crispy. Serve topped with plenty of fresh rocket.
Here’s another great way to use beetroot – pearl barley and roasted beetroot salad with maple balsamic dressing:
Thanks for the recipe! I love pizza, but have never made any with beetroot!
Dear Becca, I got to this recipe trough food gawker, while searching for beet pizza. I made the pizza three times, it was magnificent! Thank you so much, the pesto made its magic in a totally unexpected way! In two evenings, I used French goat cheese (soft in texture and mild in taste). Last evening I used Greek feta, and it had a stronger accent, but equally interesting and delicious. I love it, as it turned to be another low effort/high impact meal for the family! Plus, this is a great way to expose children to beet (which otherwise would have a dull taste on its own).
Thank you so much, again!
All the best!
Thanks so much for your comment! :) Really glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe – and the pizza! :)
I tried this using fresh beetroots that I had roasted off first and then I drizzled a balsamic vinegar reduction over the finished pizza. It was delicious so thanks for the original recipe.
Hmmmm, pizza! Never thought to put beetroot on though but of course, whyever not? Love the combo of the 3 toppings you have used – a classic!
Fabulous flavours on this pizza… I adore beetroot but have never put it on pizza before, and feel pretty inspired to do so! I cut corners by making my pizza bases using bread mix from the supermarket. It comes out a treat and saves me a small fortune!
Love the of these toppings, just the kind of pizza is order!
such a winter-friendly, sweet and soothing mix of ingredients x
Gorgeous pizza. Do you offer takeaway?
Ha! No but you should make your own! :)
Love beetroot – great recipe!
Beetroot is one of my favorite vegetables but I’ve never thought of putting it on pizza.
You’ve made me so hungry that I’m ready to eat the laptop. The recipe sounds like everything I love and your photographs project everything I’m hungry for — bread, cheese, veggies! I can almost smell the pizza.
We’ve recently made homemade pizza dough for the first time, this will definitely be my topping next time we make them.YUM!!!