This veggie pizza is loaded with fresh vegetables and gooey cheese, making it a colorful and tasty choice. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
I love how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings. Plus, who can resist a slice of cheesy goodness? It’s my go-to when I want something fun and light! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but I love making homemade pizza dough when I have time. If you’re gluten-free, try cauliflower dough or a gluten-free pizza crust mix. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice!
Pizza Sauce: Traditional tomato sauce is classic, but feel free to experiment! Pesto or even a white sauce works great if you’re aiming for something unique. Just make sure it complements your veggies.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to, but I often mix it with provolone or cheddar for added flavor. Vegan cheese options can also work very well if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Vegetables: This recipe is super versatile! Zucchini, broccoli, and bell peppers are favorites of mine, but you can use any veggies you like. Think spinach, artichokes, or even kale for a nutrient boost!
Corn and Red Peppers: If you don’t have these, you can skip them or substitute with frozen peas and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s all about what you have on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Veggies?
Getting your vegetables ready is key to a great veggie pizza. Here’s how to ensure they’re tasty and properly cooked:
- **Slice Uniformly:** Keep all vegetable slices relatively the same thickness. This ensures even cooking, so everything is perfectly tender.
- **Pre-Sauté (Optional):** If you want softer veggies, consider sautéing them in olive oil for a few minutes before placing them on the pizza. It brings out their flavors and reduces moisture.
- **Don’t Overload:** While it’s tempting to add all the veggies, too many can make the pizza soggy. Stick to a balanced mix, focusing on what you love!
- **Season Well:** A sprinkle of salt and pepper can enhance the flavors of your vegetables, so don’t skip this step.
With these tips, your veggie pizza will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy creating your personalized pie!
How to Make Veggie Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12 inches diameter)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets, small pieces
- 1/2 cup yellow and orange bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or grilled)
- 1/4 cup roasted red pepper pieces (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This veggie pizza recipe will take about 20-25 minutes of preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend a few minutes rolling out the dough and chopping the veggies, and then just bake it for about 12-15 minutes. Perfect for a quick, delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. This helps give your pizza a nice crispy bottom!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re not using a stone. This will make it easier to transfer to the oven.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Brush a little olive oil lightly on the edges of the dough. This gives the crust a lovely golden color as it bakes.
4. Sauce it Up:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures your crust remains nice and fluffy.
5. Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. The more cheese, the better!
6. Load on the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the fun part! Distribute the cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, broccoli, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, corn, and roasted red pepper (if using) evenly over the cheese. Colorful toppings will make your pizza look irresistible!
7. Season It:
Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the veggie toppings. This adds a burst of flavor.
8. Final Touch:
Drizzle a little more olive oil on top for that delightful roasted flavor, making sure everything is well coated.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes it easier to slice.
11. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves and if you like a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Now, slice up your delicious veggie pizza and serve it warm!
Enjoy your colorful, fresh, and flavorful veggie pizza!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even feta for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on how cheesy you want it!
What Vegetables Work Best?
You can use any vegetables you enjoy! Besides the ones listed, consider adding spinach, artichokes, or even olives. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza to keep the crust crisp!
Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza?
Yes, you can freeze leftover veggie pizza! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
How Do I Prevent the Crust from Getting Soggy?
To keep your crust crispy, avoid overloading it with vegetables that release a lot of water, like mushrooms or fresh tomatoes. You can also pre-roast or sauté them briefly to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pizza.
