My heart is so heavy for those affected by the tornadoes in my home state that I can’t really talk about anything else today. In case you haven’t heard on the news, a tornado two miles wide wiped out a swath of Central Oklahoma twenty miles long. It was a monster. The tornado came within 200 yards of my best friend’s home, where she lives with her husband and their sweet little girl, Ruby. Fortunately, they were safe in their storm shelter and her home is still intact.
I want to run back to home and help, but I know there is already a surplus of volunteers. Oklahomans are exceptionally compassionate and generous people. Oklahomans take care of one another.
If you want to help their efforts, you can donate to the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund here. The Central Oklahoma Humane Society is trying to connect lost pets with their owners and you can donate to their efforts here (designate OK Humane Disaster Relief Fund on the donor form). I thought I’d share these links because I know how many kind and caring people make their way to this blog. I don’t know how it happens, but it makes me happy.
So, pizza. I’ve been itching to share this strawberry pizza with you all for over a week now. Strawberries on a pizza might seem a little funny at first, but if you think about it, tomatoes are fruit, too. Strawberries get all juicy and roasty in the oven like tomatoes do, too. Combine them with golden mozzarella and goat cheese that melts into oblivion on a whole wheat crust and you just might find a new favorite. Top it with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction and, you guys—this pizza is a revelation.
This pizza is also super simple to make. I took a shortcut and used store-bought (Trader Joe’s) pizza dough, but Melissa has a 10-minute pizza dough recipe if you’d like to go the homemade route. For an even quicker version, you could use pre-made flatbread or naan as the base. If you enjoy strawberries, goat cheese, basil and balsamic vinegar, I have no doubt you’ll love them combined on a pizza.
Strawberry, Basil and Balsamic Pizza
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Italian
Strawberries roasted on top a mozzarella and goat cheese pizza, topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. This pizza is outrageously good. Trust me.
Ingredients
Pizza
- 16 ounces prepared whole wheat pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups (6 ounces) shredded mozzarella
- 5 ounces goat cheese
- 1 ½ cups (about ½ pound) chopped strawberries, leafy ends removed and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade into short little strips
- freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic reduction
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.* Roll out your pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch round on a floured surface. Top the pizza dough with the shredded mozzarella, big crumbles of goat cheese, and strawberries. Bake on a lightly oiled baking sheet (or on a pizza stone, if you have one) until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the crust is crisp underneath, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar and honey. Gently simmer the mixture on medium-low heat until it is reduced in volume by half (this should take about 10 to 15 minutes) and set aside.
- Once the pizza is done baking, top it with a sprinkle of basil and freshly ground black pepper. Slice it and use a spoon to lightly drizzle balsamic vinegar on top, as shown in pictures. Serve!
Notes
- You’ll end up with lots of extra balsamic reduction, which you can use in salad dressings, on crostini, yogurt, ice cream, tomatoes…
- The instructions for my pizza specified to bake at 350 degrees, which I know is low for pizzas. I went ahead and baked at 350 until the cheese was bubbling all over and the crust was crisp throughout and the strawberries were juicy and roasted and I don’t think it could have turned out any better. If you want to crank up the heat and keep an eye on your pizza, though, go for it.
- If you don’t like goat cheese… that is unfortunate. Just add extra mozzarella. Feta may also be good.
- This recipe is the pizza love child of my strawberry, basil and goat cheese panini and peach, basil and ricotta flatbread, so you might enjoy those, too.
▸ Nutrition Information
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Jamie @ GB&G
So sad in Oklahoma…I can’t even imagine and don’t want to. I can imagine strawberries on a pizza however and this sounds absolutely incredible.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Pizza perfection, I love these toppings!
HH @ EatGreatBEGreat
This pizza sounds fantastic! What a fab combination!
Katrina @ WVS
It’s actually unbelievable watching tornado footage here in Montreal…we NEVER get weather like that and I can’t even imagine how dangerous and scary that must have been for everyone!
Hard to transition, BUT! This recipe is gorgeous and sounds totally fabulous! Love it!
Katie
If you want to donate to the tornado relief specifically, you have to donate to the Oklahoma chapter of the Red Cross. The $10 text donations do not go directly to the tornado relief. http://newsok.com/oklahoma-tornadoes-red-cross-text-donations-not-designated-for-oklahoma/article/3828381
Kate
Thanks for letting me know, Katie. I’ve updated the links.
dixya
I would have never thought of this combo but I like these on my salad, and pizza will probably be delicious!
on a different note – its so heart breaking to see all that devastation. Sometimes all you can do it pray and hug our loved ones tighter.
Caitlin
i can understand your devastation to the tornado. i cannot imagine having something like that happen to the area i grew up and be close to my loved ones. that link of the dog being found, though, is such a sweet moment in an otherwise hellish time.
this had to be the most beautiful pizza i’ve ever seen. basil and strawberries go so well together. it’s such a nice departure from traditional toppings.
ashley-bakerbynature
This whole tornado event has had me in tears a good few days. It’s just so heartbreaking. I’m happy your friend was safe!!! Thank God.
This pizza looks so amazingly fresh and perfect for Summer! Make me one when I visit, please?! ;0)
amy @southern sweets
I have friends who live in Okalahoma, too, and my heart has been breaking for everyone. Being an Arkansan, they’re my next door neighbors in a sense. And on a totally unrelated note, this pizza looks divine. I know what I’m using my newly planted basil on really, really soon!
Dan from PlatterTalk
Wonderful post on the heel of such a heartbreaking tragedy. I’m so happy your friend and her family are safe. The pizza sounds fresh and delicious, I love this idea!
Gemma @andgeesaid
Oh my goodness. This looks absolutely wonderful! :):):) xxx
Tieghan
Such a gorgeous pizza!! I love these flavor combos!! Really love them!
What you said about OK was so true. It is so sad and I can not even imagine going through what the people in OK must be going through. So scary.
Leonie
Best pizza ever..yum :-)
Liz
Beautiful words! Thanks for sharing the links.
And … insert segue here…the pizza looks delicious too.
Warm thoughts,
Liz
Wendy
I just dropped by to say that every one of your posts is absolutely mouth watering and inspiring. So much so, that I’ve been inspired to create my own food blog and express myself through food. Thank you for the absolute beautiful posts and for the influence!
-Long time reader, first time poster.
Kate
Thank you, Wendy!
Katy @ Katy'sKitchen
I’ve seen a couple of these pizzas kicking around recently and none looked as appetizing as yours. I swear I could take a giant bite out of the screen right now. Perfect flavour combinations
Dustin
Ooh I love strawberry and balsamic and goat cheese… but I’ve never thought of doing a pizza with those flavors. Definitely trying this soon. Actually, I think it may feature heavily in my dreams tonight, and result in a drool soaked pillow. Thanks?
Joanne
everything that happened in Oklahoma is just so sad and terrifying! I am certainly glad to hear that your friend is okay though!!
I’ve done a similar rhubarb pizza before (similar in the sense that it had balsamic and goat cheese) and it was amazing…I think I definitely need to try this strawberry version!
Maria Tadic
This looks so yummy. I love all these ingredients! And it seems like such a nice and light summer dinner. Totally can’t wait to try this out!
Grace @FoodFitnessFA
You’re right…why turn your head at strawberries when tomatoes are technically fruit too? This sounds awesome and totally restaurant-esque. Perfect party dish.
Jenn @ Mother Thyme
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the devastation in Oklahoma. This pizza looks incredible! I love this combination. Perfect for summer gatherings.
Angie
I just love this, it’s so beautiful!
sandra
what a fabulous idea – strawberry-basil pizza! It sounds like a really nice blend of flavors.
Stefanie @ Sarcastic
I made a sweet strawberry pizza a while ago using a pastry dough. It was soooo good. Maybe too sweet. I have to try this version because strawberries on a pizza was such a revelation. Also, the devastation in OK is so horrible. My heart aches for all those affected. I watched that video of the woman finding her little dog in the rubble and I seriously wept. Then I pulled my pug close to me and uuuuugggggly cried, for real. I cannot imagine.
Lindsey
glad to hear that your friends and loved ones are ok. it’s been heartbreaking to see and hear what people have lost. but it’s been uplifting as well hearing people not giving up, and wanting to rebuild.
strawberries are so perfect these days, it’s hard not topping any dish with them. i will have to try strawberry pizza one day, i’m intrigued.
Christy@SweetandSavo
First of all, holy adorable dog! He looks so sweet.
And yes, I believe that this pizza is a revelation! I just need to go get the goat cheese. Gorgeous!
Kate
Thanks, Christy! Hope you love the pizza.
Marg
Made this for dinner last night in Australia. Absolutely amazing. What a great combination. Definitely one of my favourites.
Kate
Thank you, Marg! Really happy you enjoyed the pizza.
Claire
your well-worn cookie sheet makes me happy.
Anony Miss
Nice recipe. I wish you wouldn’t use the tragedy to get more views though. It seems really out of place.. I can understand worrying about your friends but a sentence or two would have summed it up.. don’t “milk” it.
Kate
Hi anonymous, I would respond to you directly via email but you haven’t left a valid email address so I can do so. I want to clarify that I have spent 24 of my 27 years in Central Oklahoma. My heart resides in Oklahoma with my friends, my family and my fellow Oklahomans. I assure you that obtaining page views was not my objective in this post; rather, I was directing the kind people who visit my blog to the ways that they could help most. Right now, what first responders need most is monetary donations. I have not once promoted this post as an “Oklahoma victims” post and do not stand to benefit personally from the message in this post. I’m offended that you would assume otherwise. You’re no longer welcome on this blog and I suggest that you direct your negative energy elsewhere. Those affected by the tornado don’t deserve it and I will NOT stand for it.
Crystle
Go, Kate!
Jeanne Lowrey
You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Don’t forget that is true in all aspects of your life, Kiddo. ly
Jennifer @ Delicieux
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the devastation in Oklahoma. It was so heart wrenching to watch on the news.
As for your pizza, it looks amazing. I’m really intrigued by the flavour combination.
Premdas Kanaran
The strawberry basil and balsamic pizza is an absolute delight Kate ! Reminded me of the Strawberry Fields pizza aka dessert we used to get at a Pizza place called Little Caesars in Perth. We are a first time visitor to Cookie and Kate and we are blown away ! Amazing look and feel and the food is looking yummy ! We are novices at blogging and me and my wife have recently started a foodiepot ourselves
Prem & Varsha
Kate
Thank you very much!
Ashley
The flavors in this pizza are definitely up my alley. Such a nice change of pace from typical pizza! Well done. Loved the shot of Cookie! — Thanks for the info on where to donate. I’m so glad you + your friend were safe! The news coverage was so horrifying that it was hard to believe it was real. Sending love.
Melissa
#1 Been thinking about you and wondering how you’re doing. Skype very very soon! #2 This pizza looks awesome. #3 Thanks for linking to my crust recipe. You are bomb. xoxo
Kate
Yes, let’s skype soon! I want to try your pizza crust recipe soon.
Kirsten
YUM! Making this tonight. You are awesome!
Also, way to go telling that Anonymous commenter what’s up. I thought your reference to the tornado was appropriate and sensitive to those affected by that horrible tornado in OK. Let’s hope plenty of people sent some aid that way after reading this.
jawa
Looks delicious!
Delicious Happens
Awesome pizza! Definitely making this!
MamaC
Holy crap this was delicious!!!! I added shredded chicken and red onions. Absolutely perfect summer pizza!
Kate
Thanks! I appreciate your reaction. :)
Jenne
Looks just gorgeous and I bet it tastes phenomenal!
Courtney
I just wanted to let you know – I don’t like goat cheese (I know, I know….I feel bad I don’t like it. Any time it is served to me, I try a bite, and try to like it. I just can’t). But, I made this pizza with feta, instead. Amazing! I put grilled chicken strips on my non-veg hubby’s side. He also said it was amazing. Thank you, thank you!
Kate
I didn’t like goat cheese until a few years ago, so I get it! I actually lived in France for a few months in college and missed out on a lot of goat cheese back then. I’m glad you both enjoyed the pizza with feta!
Amber
This pizza is so pretty when it’s made and makes the house smell yummy! I wasn’t a huge fan of it (taste-wise) because I am not one to mix sweet with savory… however my hubby ate it like it was going out of style! My mother in law and the rest of my in-laws raved over it too.!
Kate
Hey Amber, I’m sorry the pizza wasn’t for you! So glad your family enjoyed it, though.
Amber
No need to be sorry, it was still a huge success with them! :) I have loved every one of the recipes I’ve made from your blog, so job well done. :D
Kate
Yay, thanks Amber!
Amanda
hi! I’m looking for something new to do with the three rolled out pizza doughs I have in my fridge. My 5 year old has voted for this one! Question: do you put any sort of sauce on? Or just the mozzarella cheese and the rest of the ingredients?
We eagerly anticipate your response and are trying not to drool!
Kate
Hi Amanda! Great pick! I didn’t use a sauce on this pizza before cooking. I think the balsamic drizzle (added after baking) does just the trick.
Sarah C
Made this recipe tonight (for the second time) and it was DELICIOUS. Definitely a keeper and I couldn’t rave to my friend (who I made dinner for) enough about how wonderful your blog is.
Evan Henry
Hi. I went to a “potluck bring-your-own-pizza-fixins dinner party “a few weeks ago just as Northern California hit its stride with this year’s first wave of deep red, perfectly firm and a fruity sweet strawberries and… the morning of the party asked to bring dessert. Since I already had the dough made and strawberries on the counter aching to be enjoyed, I thought they might make an interesting if not beautiful and or delicious dessert. It was fun now to search the internet and find your similar strawberry pizza. Our pizzas both had pizza dough (though I used white bread flour), strawberries, balsamic vinegar and honey (both drizzled straight onto the pizza from the bottle), fresh ground black pepper and goat cheese. My version took a slightly different course with Ricotta instead of Mozzarella, and finely-shredded arugula sprinkled on top after baking instead of fresh basil. I think my next try will combine your balsamic reduction and basil with my ricotta and arugula. And I may try tossing a teaspoon of sugar into my pizza dough.
Since the strawberry pizza was also delicious at room temperature, it might even tempt me to crash a strawberry shortcake dessert table at a 4th of July party this year.
Nina Peele
I didn’t have goat cheese, but feta worked great. Tasty, simple & quick recipe. Thanks!
Tom
Made this last night and I loved it. I’m a sucker for anything with strawberries. I cooked the pizza at 350 and it was perfect.
I have found so many recipes on this website and I can’t thank you enough, Kate (and Cookie). This sounds silly but I really never thought I would find entrees that I could make without meat and enjoy. I’m trying to introduce more and more vegetarian dishes that my boyfriend and I can eat and this has been my go-to website. We try to only have chicken or beef 1 night / fish another and then the rest vegetarian.
Also – I agree with the goat cheese comment. More for us! Looking forward to your cookbook.
Lisa
Hi! Made this pizza Saturday night for friends! It was amazing. I baked it on my pizza stone at 450 degrees for 15 ish minutes. It turned out great. I only had 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar so made half the amount of balsamic drizzle and still had plenty. Loved it!
Sara
Just making this tonight and it’s looking fabulous! I love your blog. The simplicity, beauty, and quality writing get me excited to cook! Thanks for your hard work and attention to detail, it’s quite refreshing. Also, your recipes are out of this world.
Kate
Sara, thank you! I really appreciate your kind words. Sometimes I feel like I’m going crazy over minute details, so I’m glad you see them. :)
Jessie
Made it with feta cheese instead of goat cheese, and used a premade crust from Trader Joes’ – Great recipe and easy!
Kate
Great! Thanks, Jessie!
Amanda Kerrigan
The pizza is beautiful. It was my first time making pizza ever, so thanks Kate for getting me into the kitchen to do this! Mine came out well, but I think it’s really important to buy high quality cheeses and strawberries because the flavors of the pizza really depend on these ingredients. I used pre-shredded mozzarella cheese, and the strawberries I had weren’t super sweet. The balsamic reduction and basil, however, were beautiful – don’t leave those ingredients out – they aren’t just toppings – they take this pizza up a notch. Also TJ’s pre-made crust is amazing. Thanks Kate. I love your site and all of your recipes.
Kate
Awesome! I’m so glad your first experience with homemade pizza worked out so well, Amanda!
Alyssa Hargrove
Hi there! This is Alyssa with the New York picture desk of The Daily Mail Online. We are writing a piece on Strawberry Pizzas and would love to use your images in the feature. May we do so with a link back to your page/ recipe, and full credit to you on the image?
Let us know as soon as you can and thanks for your time!!
Alyssa Hargrove
Photo Editor
Daily Mail | 51 Astor Place, 9th floor, New York NY 10003
Kate
Thank you, Alyssa for think of me! Yes, as long as you’re linking to my blog post and not including the recipe itself, that’s fine by me! Here is my full photo and recipe policy, if you have further questions. Thank you in advance for the promotion.
Tiffany Partridge
This pizza is amazing! I have always loved strawberries and had never thought to put them on a pizza. My husband makes sourdough bread every week and leaves one dough for pizza so that is what I used for the crust. Absolutely perfect. I plan to make another in a couple of days since I have the ingredients on hand.
Kate
I’m happy you think so, Tiffany! I appreciate the review.
Kelsie Schilling
This was so easy to put together and was so delicious! Every bite was just bursting with a medley of heavenly flavors and it completely satisfied my pizza craving. I made this for us last week and we had it again for dinner tonight…whoops :)
Kate
I’m happy to hear that. I love you have made it twice already! :) Thanks for the review, Kelsie.
Heather
Just looking through some pins and found this recipe.
Going to try it this weekend.
Thanks for posting!
Your doggie is so cute :)
Kate
I will let Cookie know! Thank you, for your comment.
JanetLee
I found your recipe on Pinterest. Looked at it for ages saying I will make that someday. Well someday happened. I love pizza and am an old fashioned, tomato sauce and cheese. This was a flavor filled surprise for my taste buds. My favorite part was the balsamic reduction. It just brought all the flavors together. My tastebuds are now wanting more adventure! I made quite a bit of the reduction and tried my luck at a balsamic salad dressing. It came out good! Not being a great cook this has given me a boost to try. Thank you.
Kate
I’m happy you tried it! Thanks for your comment, JanetLee.
Stephannie Rodriguez Valenzuela
Best pizza I have had so far! It is very creative with the toppings. The ingredients bring about delicious flavors. This is my current favorite pizza now! The best part is, that it was super easy to make. I made this along with a salad and appetizer with my non-vegetarian brother and his girlfriend and they too LOVED it. Thank you for another treat!
Kate
You’re welcome!
dana
I”ve loved every recipe I have tried of yours and can’t wait to try this one! Though I don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen when guests are over- can this be assembled, or even cooked and kept warm, ahead of time? Thanks
Kate
You could try it! Although this is best served immediately.
Sarah
SO good!!! My boyfriend was skeptical about putting strawberries on pizza but we absolutely loved this!
Kate
Thank you for your review, Sarah! I appreciate your review.
Frances
It’s delicious and refreshing with mint (instead of basil) too. I left off the black pepper. Perfect for a quick summer lunch!
Kate
Thank you for your review, Frances!
Julie Grimm
This pizza is amazing made for dinner last night . Would make as an appetizer as well. I used a small bit of lightly seasoned chicken from my sousvide fried in butter with basil. Don’t even think about it make this recipe.
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Julie!