This veggie pizza is packed with colorful fresh vegetables like bell peppers, olives, and spinach, all tucked onto a hot, crispy crust. It’s tasty and makes for a fun meal!
Making this pizza is a breeze! I love letting everyone pick their favorite toppings—it’s like a pizza party at home. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or make your own. If you’re gluten-free, opt for a cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza dough available in stores.
Pizza Sauce: Marinara sauce adds great flavor, but you can also use pesto or alfredo if you want something different. Just be cautious with stronger flavors, which may overwhelm the veggies.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but why not try a blend? Cheddar or provolone can give a nice twist. For dairy-free options, look for vegan cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy.
Vegetables: The beauty of veggie pizza is versatility! Swap in your favorites like artichokes, cherry tomatoes, or even olives. Seasonal veggies add freshness, so feel free to rotate throughout the year!
How Do I Get a Crispy Pizza Crust?
A crispy crust is essential for a great pizza. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect texture:
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting (475°F or 245°C) to get great heat.
- If using a pizza stone, let it heat up in the oven for at least 30 minutes. This helps in achieving a crispy base.
- Make sure your dough is rolled out evenly; uneven thickness can affect cooking time.
- A light drizzle of olive oil on the crust before baking can help with browning.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delightful pizza crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
How to Make Veggie Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (about 12 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted red bell peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup broccoli or broccolini florets
- 1/4 cup spinach leaves
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn (optional, about 2 tablespoons)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This veggie pizza recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time, making it a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun meal to make any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn your oven up to 475°F (245°C) to get it nice and hot for that crispy crust. If you’re using a pizza stone, put it in the oven now to preheat as well.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it’s about 12 inches wide. This gives you a nice base for all those delicious toppings.
3. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave about a 1-inch edge without sauce for the crust.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now it’s time for the cheese! Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce, covering it well so every bite is cheesy.
5. Load on the Veggies:
Next, distribute the sliced mushrooms, zucchini, roasted red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, spinach leaves, and corn (if you’re using it) evenly across the cheese. Get creative with the placement!
6. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs over all the colorful toppings. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
7. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Finish off the pizza by drizzling a tablespoon of olive oil over everything. This helps with browning and adds richness.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer your pizza to the oven (onto the stone or baking sheet) and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling nice and brown.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then, slice it up and enjoy your fresh and flavorful veggie pizza!
Enjoy every bite of your homemade veggie pizza! 🌱🍕
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just follow the package instructions for rolling or stretching it out, and you’ll have a delicious pizza in no time!
How Can I Customize the Vegetables?
This recipe is super versatile! Feel free to substitute or add any of your favorite vegetables, like artichokes, cherry tomatoes, or olives. Seasonal veggies work beautifully, so adjust based on what’s fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover 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 that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, use a dairy-free pizza sauce and substitute the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add more veggies for flavor and texture!
