This veggie pizza is loaded with fresh vegetables and a crispy crust, making it a hit for anyone who loves a colorful meal. It’s tasty, healthy, and easy to share!
Sometimes, I sneak extra veggies just to feel good about my choices! This pizza is perfect for any occasion—just toss on your favorites and enjoy warm, cheesy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can choose a store-bought crust for convenience or make your own for a personal touch. If you’re gluten-free, opt for a cauliflower crust or a gluten-free store variety.
Pizza Sauce: Traditional marinara works great here! For a lighter option, use olive oil and garlic as a base, or a pesto for a fresh twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in provolone or a vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free! Experiment with a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor.
Vegetables: The beauty of veggie pizza is in its versatility. Swap zucchini for eggplant, or toss in spinach instead of broccoli. Seasonal veggies are always a hit!
Herbs: Dried oregano is standard, but fresh herbs like basil add even more flavor. If you don’t have them, Italian seasoning is a good alternative.
How Do I Perfectly Prep My Veggies for Pizza?
Prep is key to getting the best flavors and textures in your veggie pizza. Here are my tips:
- Slice vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly. Thin slices work best for zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.
- Pre-steaming broccoli or other hearty veggies helps tenderize them so they don’t come out too crunchy after baking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pizza with too many veggies! A balanced topping gives nice flavor without becoming soggy.
By focusing on the freshness and arrangement of your toppings, you’ll make a veggie pizza that’s not only tasty but also visually appealing!
Veggie Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade, about 10-12 inches)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets, small
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or sage leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 12-15 minutes to bake, bringing your total time to around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and fun meal that everyone will enjoy!
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 so it gets nice and hot.
2. Prepare Your Veggies:
Now it’s time to get those fresh vegetables ready! Thinly slice your zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, chop them up too. Keep everything neat and organized for easy assembly!
3. Steam the Broccoli:
Lightly steam or sauté the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. This helps them cook perfectly on the pizza without being too crunchy.
4. Set Up the Pizza Crust:
Take your pizza crust and roll it out if it’s homemade, or place your store-bought crust on a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Make sure it’s nice and ready!
5. Sauce It Up:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust with a spoon or spatula, leaving a little border around the edges for that delicious crust.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering it well.
7. Layer the Veggies:
Now, arrange all your sliced and diced vegetables over the cheese. Feel free to get creative with the pattern, but make sure they’re evenly distributed.
8. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the piled veggies.
9. Season It:
Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza, then season with salt, pepper, and the dried oregano or Italian seasoning to give it some extra flavor.
10. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown and the crust is crisp.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, add some fresh basil or sage leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color.
12. Slice and Enjoy:
Slice your veggie pizza into pieces that are comfortable for sharing and serve warm. Enjoy every delicious slice!
Your vibrant and delicious veggie pizza is ready to be enjoyed—perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pizza Crust?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free pizza crust available in most grocery stores or make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Just follow the baking instructions on the package, or adjust based on your homemade crust recipe.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the mozzarella cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative or use a combination of cashew cheese and nutritional yeast for added flavor. Also, be sure your pizza sauce is free from dairy products!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
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 (180°C) for about 10 minutes, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Add More Veggies or Different Ones?
Definitely! Your veggie pizza can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add more veggies like spinach, artichokes, or eggplant. Just make sure to slice them thinly and pre-cook any hearty vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly.