This Veggie Pizza is loaded with colorful veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all on a tasty crust. It’s not just healthy, but also super fun to make!
Who doesn’t love pizza night? I like to let everyone add their favorite toppings. It’s a great way to have a fun dinner and keep it fresh each time. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can buy pre-made dough or make your own. If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought naan or pita bread for a quick crust. It’s fun to roll out dough together if cooking with family!
Pizza Sauce: Homemade pizza sauce is great when you have time, but jarred marinara works well too. For a twist, try using pesto or garlic olive oil instead of tomato sauce for a different flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but you could also use provolone or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. I sometimes mix in some parmesan on top for extra flavor.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match. Zucchini, eggplant, or artichokes are great additions. If you’re low on fresh veggies, frozen ones work just as well, just be sure to thaw and drain them first!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
A great pizza crust can make or break your pizza. To achieve a crispy bottom and soft inside, follow these tips:
- Preheat your oven completely. A hot oven (475°F) cooks the crust quickly, making it crispy.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it’s heated for at least 30 minutes. It will help mimic a pizza oven.
- Don’t overload the toppings. Less is more to avoid a soggy crust.
- Keep the crust thin if you prefer a crunchier base. Aim for 1/4 inch thickness.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Each pizza is a chance to refine your technique and flavor combinations.
Veggie Pizza Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (about 12 inches diameter)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Vegetables:
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets, small pieces
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Veggie Pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying it in around 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight 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 get hot. This helps achieve that crispy crust we all love!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Make sure it’s even! Then, transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone.
3. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of border all around the edges for the crust. This is going to be the delicious base for your pizza!
4. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce — make it nice and cheesy!
5. Layer the Veggies:
Now, it’s time to load on the good stuff! Distribute the corn, sliced green and yellow bell peppers, chopped red bell pepper, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach or kale, and cherry tomato halves evenly over the cheese. Feel free to get creative with your veggie placement!
6. Season It Up:
Drizzle a little olive oil over the veggies to help them roast nicely. Sprinkle with dried oregano or Italian seasoning, along with some salt and pepper to taste for an extra flavor boost.
7. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot oven or pizza stone. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
8. Cool & Garnish:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you want, you can garnish with fresh basil or parsley to make it look extra special.
9. Slice & Serve:
Slice your pizza into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy the beautiful colors and delicious flavors of your homemade veggie pizza!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! There are many gluten-free pizza dough options available at stores, or you can make your own. Just follow the package instructions for baking times if they differ from regular dough.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can use any favorite veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and even artichokes work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that some vegetables may need to be pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover veggie pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispy crust, or microwave for 30-60 seconds if you’re in a rush!
Can I Freeze the Pizza Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, add extra time to the cooking as it will need to thaw and come to temperature.