Get ready to elevate your pizza game with a mouthwatering twist that will make your taste buds dance! This Toasted Garlic Swiss Chard Pizza isn't just another ordinary pizza - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the earthy richness of Swiss chard, the bold punch of toasted garlic, and the creamy indulgence of melted mozzarella. Perfect for adventurous home cooks and pizza lovers who crave something beyond traditional toppings, this recipe promises to turn an everyday meal into a gourmet experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the chopped Swiss chard to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to wilt and soften. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the pizza crust by brushing the remaining olive oil over the surface. This will help create a golden, crispy base.
- Spread the sautéed Swiss chard and garlic evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the Swiss chard, covering the surface evenly.
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 8 wedges and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh ground black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Moisture Management: Always pat your Swiss chard dry after washing to prevent a soggy pizza crust. Extra moisture can make your pizza base less crispy.
- Garlic Technique: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat at medium and watch carefully. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the entire flavor profile.
- Cheese Distribution: For even melting, sprinkle mozzarella in a uniform layer, ensuring complete coverage of the Swiss chard.
- Crust Crispiness: Using a pizza stone can dramatically improve your crust's texture, creating a restaurant-quality crisp bottom.
- Resting Time: Always let your pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set and makes cutting cleaner and easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
