This veggie pizza is packed with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, all on a crispy crust. It’s cheesy, tasty, and a great way to eat more greens!
Who says pizza isn’t healthy? I love how you can mix and match your favorite veggies. Plus, it’s super fun to make with family or friends. Let the topping games begin! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can choose a pre-made crust for convenience, or try making your own using flour, yeast, and water. If you need a gluten-free option, cauliflower crusts or gluten-free pizza bases are great alternatives.
Pizza Sauce: Traditional pizza sauce is delicious, but you can use marinara sauce or even pesto for a different twist. If you’re low on sauce, a light drizzle of olive oil works too.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a nice stretch, but feel free to substitute with other cheese like provolone or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Vegetables: The great thing about this pizza is you can switch up the veggies! Try adding bell peppers, onions, artichokes, or any seasonal vegetables. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, omit them or replace them with zucchini or eggplant.
Spices: Dried oregano adds Italian flavor, but feel free to experiment with basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a unique taste. I love adding fresh basil after baking for a burst of freshness.
How Do I Get My Veggies Just Right on the Pizza?
Getting your veggies right is important for taste and texture. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Slicing: Thinly slice zucchini and bell peppers for even cooking. This helps them become tender without overcooking the crust.
- Pre-cooking: If you like softer veggies, sauté the mushrooms and bell peppers lightly in olive oil for a few minutes before adding them to the pizza.
- Layering: Place heartier vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms under the cheese to help them cook through, while more delicate veggies like spinach go on top where they’ll retain some freshness.
These simple tips can help you achieve a perfectly balanced veggie pizza that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy your homemade creation! 🍕
How to Make Veggie Pizza!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (12-inch) or homemade pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced zucchini
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (yellow and red)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves or kale (lightly chopped)
- 1/4 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This veggie pizza takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and 12–15 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to make this delicious pizza from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a baking stone, put it in the oven now so it heats up. A hot stone gives the crust a nice crunch!
2. Prepare the Crust:
Next, take your pre-made pizza crust or roll out your homemade dough on a pizza pan or a baking sheet. Dust a bit of cornmeal on the pan to prevent it from sticking. This will help make moving your pizza easier!
3. Spread the Sauce:
Now, grab your pizza sauce or marinara sauce and spread it evenly over the crust. Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges for the crust.
4. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This helps create a melty barrier between the sauce and the toppings!
5. Layer the Veggies:
Arrange your sliced zucchini, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach (or kale), and diced yellow bell pepper evenly over the cheese. Get creative with your layout!
6. Add Garlic and Cheese:
Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the vegetables, then add the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will make your pizza cheesy and delicious!
7. Season It Up:
Drizzle olive oil over the top to keep everything moist. Season lightly with dried oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once your pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the cheese set a bit, making it easier to slice!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your pizza into wedges, and serve hot! You can add more red pepper flakes or fresh basil on top for extra flavor if you’d like!
Enjoy your colorful, fresh veggie pizza with friends and family! It’s a perfect blend of healthy and delicious. 🍕
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Options like bell peppers, onions, black olives, or artichokes work great too!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this veggie pizza gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza crust or a cauliflower crust. Just make sure to check the packaging for instructions on baking times.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
Can I Prep This Pizza in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the toppings and sauce ahead of time. Just assemble the pizza right before you’re ready to bake it. This way, you’ll have a fresh, hot pizza in no time!
