Veggie Pizza
A classic homemade pizza loaded with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family pizza night, this recipe is customizable and always a crowd-pleaser.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pizza Dough
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- c.In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 3/4 tsp of salt.
- d.Add the dry ingredients and 2 tbsp of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- e.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- f.Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Preheat Oven and Prepare Toppings
- b.About 30 minutes before the dough is ready, place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- c.While the oven preheats, prepare your vegetables: thinly slice the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and olives.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape and Assemble the Pizza
- b.Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, stretch and press the dough into a 12-inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
- c.Sprinkle the cornmeal onto a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper and place the shaped dough on top.
- d.Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- e.Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- f.Evenly distribute the sliced red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and black olives over the cheese.
- g.Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
- h.Brush the crust edge with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil for a golden finish.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake the Pizza
- b.Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper, if using) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- c.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Using a pizza peel or tongs, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
- c.Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and prevents toppings from sliding off.
- d.Cut into 8 slices and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a crispier crust, preheat your pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven for at least 30 minutes.
- 2To prevent a soggy pizza, avoid overloading it with toppings. You can also briefly sauté high-moisture vegetables like mushrooms before adding them.
- 3Don't press the air out of the crust edge when shaping the dough; this will give you a nice, puffy crust.
- 4For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- 5Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or an air fryer for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Crust Variation
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Sauce VariationSauce Variation
Use a pesto base or a white garlic sauce instead of the traditional tomato-based pizza sauce.
Topping VariationTopping Variation
Customize with other vegetables like broccoli florets, spinach, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese after baking for a tangy finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms provides essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium.
Good Source of Fiber
Vegetables are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and can lower the risk of certain diseases.
Provides Calcium
Mozzarella cheese is a good source of calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function.
Energy Boosting Carbohydrates
The pizza crust provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of energy, fueling your brain and muscles throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two slices contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the exact amount of cheese and oil used. This is an estimate and can vary.