Veggie pizza is a colorful and tasty treat that’s perfect for everyone! Topped with fresh veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, it’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Making it is a breeze! I love using a ready-made crust for a quick dinner. You can customize your toppings, so no one has to fight over what goes on it—hurray for easy dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can make your own dough or buy it pre-made for convenience. If gluten-free is your goal, look for gluten-free pizza dough options available in stores.
Pizza Sauce: While a classic tomato-based sauce is great, you could also use pesto or a white sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Cheese: Mozzarella is typical, but feel free to mix in some provolone or even a dairy-free cheese for a healthier or vegan option.
Vegetables: This recipe is perfect for using up any veggies you have! Feel free to swap in bell peppers, spinach, artichoke hearts, or even roasted vegetables for variety.
How Do I Roll Out the Perfect Pizza Dough?
Stretching the dough without tearing it can be tricky, but it’s key for a good pizza base. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with room temperature dough; it’s easier to work with. If it’s cold, let it sit out for 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour your surface and your rolling pin or hands. This prevents sticking!
- Begin by pressing the dough into a flat disc with your fingers, working from the center outwards.
- Once it’s flattened, carefully roll it out, turning it often to maintain an even shape. Aim for about 12 inches in diameter.
Don’t stress if it’s not perfect; the beauty of homemade pizza is in its unique shapes!
How to Make Veggie Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (tomato-based)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious veggie pizza takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and approximately 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish for a homemade pizza that’s bursting with flavor and color!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure to place it in the oven to warm up as well. This will help get that perfect crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about making it perfectly circular; a little rustic charm adds character!
3. Transfer the Dough:
Once rolled out, carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal if you’re going for that stone-baked effect. This will prevent sticking!
4. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edges for a nice crust.
5. Cheese Time:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, ensuring every bite will be cheesy and delicious!
6. Load It Up with Veggies:
Now, it’s time to layer on the goodness. Evenly arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced yellow bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onion over the cheese.
7. Season It Up:
Drizzle the olive oil lightly over the veggies. Then sprinkle with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it for that perfect doneness!
9. Final Touches:
Once done, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. If you’d like, garnish with some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve it warm and enjoy the explosion of fresh vegetable flavors!
Enjoy your fresh, colorful veggie pizza loaded with crisp vegetables and melty cheese! It’s a perfect meal for any pizza lover looking for a healthier twist!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just follow the package instructions for handling and baking.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your veggie pizza with any vegetables you enjoy. Consider adding spinach, artichoke hearts, olives, or even roasted veggies for more flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese and ensure your pizza dough doesn’t contain any dairy products. You can also load it up with your favorite veggies!