This veggie pizza is loaded with colorful vegetables and gooey cheese, making it a fun and tasty meal for everyone. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!
When I whip this up, I love to use whatever veggies I have on hand. Plus, who can say no to cheese? It’s a slice of happiness that always hits the spot! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is super convenient, but homemade is a pleasure too. If you’re gluten-free, many stores carry gluten-free pizza dough options, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour.
Pizza Sauce: Traditional tomato sauce works well, but you can use pesto or even barbecue sauce for a twist. If you’re short on time, a simple blend of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs can also serve as a quick sauce.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives the classic pizza taste, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar, provolone, or even vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free, can work beautifully. A blend of cheeses can enhance flavor and creaminess.
Vegetables: The great thing about veggie pizza is versatility! You can swap out zucchini for eggplant or add spinach, artichokes, or even broccoli. If you like it spicy, try jalapeños or chili peppers.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you can’t find them or want a lighter option, you could use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead for a similar flavor without the intensity.
How Do I Get the Best Results When Sautéing Vegetables for Pizza?
Sautéing your veggies is key to developing flavor and ensuring they are perfectly cooked on the pizza. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Heat your skillet on medium, then add olive oil and allow it to get hot before adding the garlic. This helps to extract flavor quickly.
- Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant, but make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Add the vegetables in batches if needed. This way, they get cooked evenly without overcrowding the pan.
- Sauté them for just a few minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. You don’t want them mushy since they’ll cook further in the oven.
By following these steps, you’ll make the most out of your veggies, ensuring they bring great flavor and texture to your pizza!
Veggie Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, about 12 inches round)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Vegetables:
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
For Sautéing:
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves torn)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This veggie pizza recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus around 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you can have a delicious, homemade pizza ready in less than 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 to heat up, which will help get a crispier crust.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Next, toss in the sliced zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano and basil. Remove them from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Once rolled out, transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small edge for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure it covers it well. Then, evenly distribute the sautéed vegetables and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the cheese.
5. Season and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining oregano and basil over everything. If you’re in the mood for some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bake your pizza in the hot oven directly on the pizza stone or baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and a little browned.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve hot and enjoy your colorful, veggie-packed pizza!
With this recipe, you’ll create a delightful pizza full of vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for any pizza night! Enjoy every cheesy, veggie-filled slice!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! This pizza is highly customizable. Feel free to substitute any vegetables you prefer, such as spinach, artichokes, or olives. Just keep in mind that some veggies may require different cooking times.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegan?
Yes, simply use a vegan pizza dough and substitute the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also use a dairy-free sauce to keep it entirely vegan-friendly!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quick option, though the oven is better for maintaining crispness.
What Do I Serve with Veggie Pizza?
This veggie pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or even a light soup for a complete meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil on top for extra flavor!
