Whole Wheat Pizza
A hearty and wholesome homemade pizza with a chewy whole wheat crust, tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and classic toppings. Perfect for a satisfying family pizza night, ready in under an hour of active time.
For 4 servings
Activate the yeast.
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
TIPIf the yeast doesn't foam, it may be old. It's best to start over with fresh yeast for a good rise.Make and knead the dough.
- Add the whole wheat flour, 2 tbsp olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball.
Let the dough rise.
Lightly oil the bowl, place the dough ball inside, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the pizza sauce.
While the dough rises, heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce. Use a spoon to mash any large pieces.
Preheat the oven and prepare toppings.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Get your shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, and bell pepper ready.
Shape the pizza crust.
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly oiled pizza pan.
Assemble the pizza.
- Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, and bell pepper slices on top.
- Drizzle with 1 tsp of olive oil.
Bake the pizza.
Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment or pan) to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
TIPFor an extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone or an overturned baking sheet.Rest, slice, and serve.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing into 8 pieces. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a chewier crust, you can let the dough rise a second time for 30 minutes after shaping it.
- 2Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy.
- 3Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- 4Brushing the crust edge with olive oil before baking will give it a nice golden color and flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use a plant-based mozzarella alternative and replace the pepperoni with vegan sausage or extra vegetables.
vegetarianVegetarian
Simply omit the pepperoni and add other vegetables like black olives, onions, or spinach.
high proteinHigh protein
Add cooked, shredded chicken or ground turkey along with the other toppings for an extra protein boost.
quickQuick
To save time, use a store-bought whole wheat pizza dough and a quality jarred marinara sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
The whole wheat crust is a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes in the sauce are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to improved heart health.
Good Source of Protein
The combination of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Frequently asked questions
This homemade whole wheat pizza is a healthier alternative to typical takeout pizza. The whole wheat flour provides more fiber, and making it at home allows you to control the amount of cheese, sodium, and processed meats used.