This veggie pizza is a colorful treat topped with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. It’s cheesy and oh-so-delicious, perfect for shareable fun!
I love how you can really pile on your favorite veggies! Sometimes I sneak in extra spinach, and nobody’s the wiser. Who doesn’t want a guilt-free slice? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or you can make your own! If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough options, which are widely available.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for pizza, but I love using a blend of cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for extra flavor. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese made from nuts or soy.
Vegetables: Feel free to customize! Bell peppers add sweetness, but you could swap them for spinach or artichokes. If you love spicy flavors, jalapeños are also a great addition!
Olive Oil: This enhances the flavor and helps crisp the crust. If you’re out, a light vegetable oil will work as well, but olive oil is a family favorite for its health benefits and taste.
Herbs: While I love using dried oregano and basil, don’t hesitate to substitute fresh herbs when you have them! They bring a brighter flavor to the pizza.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Crispy Crust?
Getting a crispy crust is key for a delicious veggie pizza. Here’s how to ensure your crust comes out perfectly every time:
- Preheat your oven and a pizza stone if using. The high temperature is crucial for crisping the crust.
- Roll the dough to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Too thick and it’ll be doughy!
- Brush the crust with olive oil before adding toppings. This helps prevent sogginess from the veggies.
- Don’t overload your pizza with toppings! Less is often more when it comes to achieving that crispy finish.
- Keep an eye on the pizza while baking. If you notice the edges browning too fast, rotate the pizza in the oven.
Letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing allows the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to enjoy!
Veggie Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza Base:
- 1 pizza dough (about 12 inches diameter)
- 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 1/2 cup yellow and red bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This veggie pizza takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, set aside about 35-40 minutes for the entire process, including prep time and cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, pop it in the oven now to heat up. This will help achieve a crispy crust!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, take your pizza dough and roll it out to about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry too much about making it perfectly round! Once rolled out, transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet.
3. Oil the Crust:
Take half of the olive oil and brush it evenly over the crust. This helps create a nice golden finish and keeps the crust from getting soggy.
4. Add the Cheese:
Next, spread the shredded mozzarella cheese across the base of the pizza, leaving a small border around the edges. This will be your cheesy goodness!
5. Pile on the Veggies:
Now it’s time for the fun part—adding the toppings! Spread your blanched broccoli, sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions evenly over the cheese. Don’t forget to scatter the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes on top!
6. Season Your Pizza:
Sprinkle the dried oregano and basil over the veggies, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Oh, the smell already starts to make you hungry!
7. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Take the remaining olive oil and drizzle it over the toppings to keep everything moist and flavorful.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot oven or onto your pizza stone. Bake it for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling with slight browning.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few moments before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to cut!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your delicious veggie pizza, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy every colorful and cheesy bite of your homemade delight!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option that saves time. Just follow the package instructions for best results, and choose a dough that is pre-rolled or roll it out yourself based on your desired thickness.
How Do I Customize the Vegetables?
You can definitely customize the veggies to your liking! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as spinach, olives, or even artichokes. Just be mindful of moisture content; if using watery veggies, you might want to sauté them beforehand to avoid a soggy crust.
What If I Have Leftovers?
Leftover veggie pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted again, or use a microwave for a quick warm-up.
Can I Freeze the Veggie Pizza?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pizza or the leftovers. If freezing unbaked, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Leftover slices can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.