Squash Blossom, Roasted Tomato & Pesto Pie: A Seasonal Gourmet Delight

Ah, squash blossoms! Those vibrant, golden blooms are truly a sight to behold and an even greater delight to the palate. Beyond their sheer beauty, they offer a delicate, nuanced flavor that elevates any dish. As you can see prominently featured on my Squash Blossom, Roasted Tomato & Pesto Pie, they serve not just as a colorful garnish, but as a star ingredient, bringing a touch of gourmet elegance and seasonal charm.

Finding these ephemeral beauties can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. They aren’t always readily available at your everyday supermarket. You’re most likely to stumble upon them at a specialty food store or, if you’re fortunate, at your local farmers’ market during their brief season. Their delicate nature means they don’t travel well or last long, making them a true seasonal delicacy.

But when you do get your hands on them, oh, the possibilities! Squash blossoms are incredibly versatile. They can be delicately stuffed with cheese and fried to a golden crisp, baked into a rustic frittata, used as a unique topping for pizzas and flatbreads, or simply enjoyed raw in salads for a fresh, mild crunch. Their subtle, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor complements a wide range of ingredients, making them a chef’s dream.

This past weekend, I was in for a wonderful surprise. My son and daughter-in-law arrived bearing a container filled with the most exquisite squash blossoms they’d discovered at their local farmers’ market. Or, perhaps more accurately, my adorable two-year-old grandson, Dylan, was the one who presented them to me with such eager excitement. His beaming face as he handed over the delicate blooms was a gift in itself. What a little cutie!

Inspired by this unexpected bounty, I immediately began researching online for the perfect way to highlight these delicate ingredients. I envisioned a savory pesto pizza or flatbread that would truly showcase their unique beauty and flavor. After some searching, I found the ideal recipe inspiration from Alison of Two Of A Kind Cooks. Her recipe provided the perfect canvas for my squash blossom treasures.

While I adapted her basic formula to suit my preferences and the ingredients I had on hand, the fundamental brilliance of the pie is all hers. Before we dive into the full recipe, please indulge me as I share a few more pictures of these glorious blossoms and the stunning dish they helped create.

I think I need to move on from the whole squash blossom thing. (But not really, they’re too good!)

Alright, let’s get down to the delicious details! Before we even think about the pizza dough, we need to prepare the roasted tomatoes, which form a crucial layer of flavor in this pie. Roasting cherry tomatoes transforms them, concentrating their sweetness and giving them a delightful burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the pesto and delicate squash blossoms.

While those aromatic tomatoes are roasting to perfection, it’s the ideal time to get your other toppings ready and roll out your pizza dough. This recipe is flexible, yielding either one substantial large pie perfect for sharing, or two smaller, more manageable pizzas. Feel free to choose the size and shape that best suits your occasion and appetite.

The tomatoes are done when they are delightfully blistered and wonderfully aromatic.

That sweet, savory aroma wafting from the oven signals that your roasted tomatoes are ready! They should be beautifully softened, slightly collapsed, and their skins just beginning to blister. It’s important to remember to let them cool completely before you arrange them on your pizza. Hot tomatoes can release steam and moisture, which might make your crust less crispy, and nobody wants a soggy pizza!

A little tip: these roasted tomatoes are so incredibly good that you might want to consider roasting a double batch. Trust me on this one. The excess can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days and makes an excellent accompaniment for a variety of dishes. Imagine them served with crusty crostini and a selection of fine cheeses for an impromptu appetizer, or tossed into a pasta dish for a quick, flavorful meal. For this particular pie, I used a delightful mix of cherry tomatoes, specifically vibrant yellow “sunbursts” and rich red “glory’s,” to add both color and a spectrum of sweet and tangy notes.

Once the tomatoes are cooled and all your toppings are prepped, it’s finally time to create the most amazing Squash Blossom, Roasted Tomato & Pesto Pie!

This is where the magic truly comes together. Each component, carefully prepared, now contributes to a symphony of flavors and textures. The base of your pizza should be ready, and your roasted tomatoes perfectly cooled. We’ll start building this masterpiece layer by layer.

• Spread the vibrant basil pesto generously over the prepared pizza dough. Ensure it forms an even layer, reaching all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. The rich, herbaceous notes of the pesto provide a fantastic foundation.
• Next, sprinkle the finely minced garlic evenly over the entire pesto-covered surface. This adds a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the pesto and will mellow beautifully as it bakes.
• Carefully place the ciliegine (small mozzarella balls), which have been halved, and the cooled roasted tomatoes evenly across the pizza. Distribute them thoughtfully to ensure a balanced flavor in each slice. Ciliegine offer a creamy, fresh mozzarella burst, while the roasted tomatoes bring their concentrated sweetness.
• Now, sprinkle a generous layer of grated Asiago cheese over the toppings. Asiago adds a nutty, slightly sharper flavor profile that beautifully contrasts with the milder mozzarella. Finally, gently arrange the delicate squash blossoms over the top. Their golden petals will lightly crisp and infuse their unique flavor into the pie as it bakes. Season with a final touch of salt and pepper to taste.

• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
• Once out of the oven, elevate this beautiful pie further by garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Chopped fresh oregano, basil, or even a little more thyme would be perfect, adding another layer of aroma and visual appeal.
• Serve immediately, allowing everyone to savor the fresh, seasonal flavors while the pie is still warm and the crust perfectly crisp.

This savory pie is truly a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The delicate crunch and subtle flavor of the squash blossoms, the concentrated sweetness of the roasted tomatoes, and the bright, herbaceous kick of the pesto all come together in a harmonious blend. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and refined, perfect for a casual family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends. The unique combination of flavors sets it apart from your typical pizza, offering a gourmet experience that highlights the best of summer’s bounty. Even if you can’t find squash blossoms, the roasted tomato and pesto base alone makes for an exceptionally delicious pizza.

Print

Squash Blossom, Roasted Tomato & Pesto Pie

Adapted from Two Of A Kind Cooks

A delightful seasonal pie featuring the delicate flavor of squash blossoms, the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes, and the freshness of basil pesto, all on a crispy pizza crust.

Servings 1 large pie or 2 small pies

Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomatoes

• 16
  ounces
  cherry tomatoes
• 2
  tablespoons
  olive oil
• 1
  tablespoon
  chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
• 1
  teaspoon
  coarse kosher salt
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  freshly ground black pepper

For the Pizza

• 16
  ounces
  prepared pizza dough
• 1/2
  cup
  basil pesto
  (about 4.5 ounces)
• 1
  garlic clove, minced or grated
• 18 to 20
  ciliegine (small mozzarella balls), halved
  (about 6.5 ounces)
• 1
  cup
  grated Asiago cheese
  (about 4 ounces)
• 8 to 10
  squash blossoms
• chopped fresh oregano, for garnish

Instructions

For the Roasted Tomatoes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, if preferred, for easy cleanup.

2. Place cherry tomatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil and season generously with coarse kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh thyme; toss gently to ensure all tomatoes are well coated.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly blistered and release a fragrant aroma. Let them cool completely before proceeding with the pizza assembly.

For the Pizza Assembly and Baking

1. Preheat your oven to a higher temperature of 450°F to ensure a crisp crust.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the prepared pizza dough to your desired shape and thickness. If the dough resists and shrinks back, let it rest for approximately 5 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, then try rolling again. Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan, preferably lined with parchment paper.

3. Spread the basil pesto over the entire surface of the dough in an even layer, extending all the way to the edges. Then, sprinkle the minced or grated garlic evenly over the pesto.
4. Artfully arrange the halved ciliegine (small mozzarella balls) and the cooled roasted tomatoes evenly across the pesto base. Next, sprinkle the grated Asiago cheese over these toppings, followed by gently laying the delicate squash blossoms over the top of the pie. Season with a final pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as chopped oregano or basil, for extra freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy this seasonal gourmet delight!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have personally experienced all of these products, and I recommend them because I have found them to be of superior quality. We appreciate your support.

More pizza deliciousness to explore…

If you’re a fan of unique and flavorful pizzas, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen. Each one offers a distinct taste experience, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire beyond the traditional. Explore new ingredients and exciting combinations!