Elevate pizza night with this creative Broccolini & Miso Pesto Pizza! Topped with roasted broccolini, crispy chickpeas, and a tangy sesame-yogurt drizzle, it’s a crunchy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
If you’ve ever looked at a bunch of broccolini and thought, “There has to be something more exciting than steaming this,” then get ready—because today we’re taking broccolini into a bold, totally unexpected direction. This Broccolini & Miso Pesto Pizza with Crispy Chickpeas is one of those recipes that feels chef-y, creative, and a little bit rebellious… yet comes together in about the same time it takes to order takeout.
The real magic of this pizza starts with the miso pesto. Instead of the usual basil and pine nuts, we blend tender broccolini stems with white miso, garlic, sesame seeds, and lemon. The result? A super savory, umami-rich spread that tastes like something from a modern Asian-fusion restaurant. It’s creamy, nutty, salty, and bright—everything you want in a base sauce, but with a twist that makes people ask, “What is that flavor?!”
Then comes the fun: crisp-tender broccolini florets scattered across the top and a handful of smoky roasted chickpeas that add amazing crunch and a little earthiness. Those chickpeas are honestly addictive on their own, but on this pizza they bring the texture that makes every bite exciting. A little parmesan melts into all the nooks and crannies, tying it together without overpowering the flavors.
And because I love a finishing touch that makes a dish feel restaurant-ready, a quick drizzle of lemony yogurt or tahini adds a creamy, tangy pop that brightens the whole pizza. It’s optional—but highly recommended.
This pizza is the kind of meal that surprises you. It’s familiar yet adventurous, simple yet incredibly layered. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little more fun, or for a weekend gathering when you want to impress without hovering over the stove for two hours.
Whether you’re already a broccolini lover or still searching for that recipe that finally converts you, this creative, flavor-packed pizza is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Give it a try—you’ll never look at broccolini the same way again.
Broccolini & Miso Pesto Pizza with Crispy Chickpeas
Elevate pizza night with this creative Broccolini & Miso Pesto Pizza! Topped with roasted broccolini, crispy chickpeas, and a tangy sesame-yogurt drizzle, it’s a crunchy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite
Ingredients
For the Miso Pesto:
- 1 cup broccolini stems (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-baked pizza crust or flatbread (10–12 inches)
- 1 cup broccolini florets
- ½ cup roasted chickpeas (see below)
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan or vegan alternative
- Olive oil for drizzling
For the Crispy Chickpeas:
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Optional Finishing Drizzle:
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or vegan yogurt
- 1 teaspoon tahini
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Make the Crispy Chickpeas:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crunchy, shaking the pan halfway through.
2. Make the Miso Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine broccolini stems, garlic, miso, sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen.
3. Prepare the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the miso pesto evenly over the pizza crust.
- Scatter broccolini florets and roasted chickpeas on top.
- Sprinkle with shaved parmesan.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until the crust is golden and broccolini is tender but slightly crisp.
4. Add the Finishing Drizzle (Optional):
- Whisk together yogurt, tahini, and lemon juice.
- Drizzle lightly over the pizza just before serving.