This veggie pizza is a colorful delight topped with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. A crispy crust holds it all together, making every bite delicious!
Honestly, who can resist a pizza loaded with veggies? I love that I can sneak in extra greens while still enjoying a tasty treat. Perfect for sharing—if you want! 🤗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or try a homemade recipe if you’re feeling adventurous. Gluten-free dough is also an option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a nice texture, but shredded works perfectly too. For a dairy-free choice, try vegan cheese that melts well.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of colors for visual appeal and sweetness. If not available, diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes work nicely.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are great, but feel free to swap with bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for more variety.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the best for a vibrant flavor, but you can also use other leafy greens like arugula or kale.
How Do You Roll Out Pizza Dough Like a Pro?
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky, but with a few easy steps, you’ll be a pro in no time!
- Start with room-temperature dough, as cold dough is harder to stretch.
- Flour your surface and your rolling pin to prevent sticking. A little goes a long way!
- Roll from the center outwards to keep an even thickness. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes.
- Don’t worry about making a perfect circle! A rustic shape adds character.
Enjoy your homemade veggie pizza, and have fun customizing it with your favorite toppings!
Veggie Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (about 12 inches diameter)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow), halved
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cornmeal for dusting the baking surface
How Much Time Will You Need?
This veggie pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need 10-12 minutes to bake it in the oven. So, overall, you should have it ready in about 30 minutes!
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 now to heat up, which helps get a nice crispy crust.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Use your hands or a rolling pin to get it even. Once rolled out, sprinkle some cornmeal on a pizza peel or baking sheet to keep the dough from sticking.
3. Prepare the Base:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the cornmeal-dusted surface. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to keep it moist, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
4. Add the Veggies:
Now for the fun part! Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, green bell pepper, red onion, and spinach leaves on top of the cheese. Make it colorful and appetizing!
5. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the veggie toppings. This adds more flavor to your pizza.
6. Bake Your Pizza:
Use the pizza peel to carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone, or just place the baking sheet directly in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Finishing Touch:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil slices on top for that extra flavor boost. Let it cool for a minute before slicing.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your vibrant veggie pizza and serve it warm. Enjoy every deliciously fresh bite!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and works great in this recipe. You can often find it in the refrigerated section of grocery stores.
How Can I Customize the Veggies?
You can mix and match veggies based on your preferences! Feel free to add olives, zucchini, or even artichokes. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza with the toppings and then freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen; it may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
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 to crisp up the crust again.