Delicious vegetarian pizza topped with fresh vegetables and cheese

Vegetarian Pizza

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Vegetarian pizza is a delightful meal that packs a punch of flavor without the meat. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables and delicious cheeses, all tucked under a warm, crispy crust. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a simple night in. Plus, you have the flexibility to customize it with your favorite toppings!

how to make Vegetarian Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • Cornmeal (for the baking sheet)
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Asiago cheese
  • ½ cup shredded pecorino cheese (use the large holes of a box grater)
  • ⅔ cup pizza sauce
  • ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 jarred roasted red peppers (drained, patted dry, and thinly sliced)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts (drained, patted dry, and quartered or coarsely chopped)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper (thinly sliced, optional)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves

Directions:

  1. Prepare the pizza dough according to your favorite recipe, or use store-bought dough and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before stretching.
  2. Preheat the oven to 500°F (or as high as your oven goes). Sprinkle a little cornmeal in the center of a large baking sheet.
  3. Place the dough on the baking sheet and stretch it into a large oval.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the mozzarella, Asiago, and pecorino cheeses.
  5. Spread the sauce evenly onto the dough. Top with the cheese mixture, sliced onions, red peppers, artichokes, and jalapeños, if using.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the crust is browned around the edges and the cheese and toppings are lightly browned. The timing will depend on the heat of your oven.
  7. Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired, and top with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve.

how to serve Vegetarian Pizza

Serve the vegetarian pizza hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also offer extra toppings on the side, like more hot peppers, parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs for guests to personalize their slices.

how to store Vegetarian Pizza

If you have leftover pizza, let it cool completely before storing it. Place the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or use a microwave for a quick option.

tips to make Vegetarian Pizza

  • Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make your pizza visually appealing.
  • For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
  • Experiment with different cheeses or sauces to find your preferred flavor combination.
  • Add more herbs and spices to the sauce for extra flavor.

variation

You can easily customize this vegetarian pizza recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You could also try different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, for a new twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat pizza dough?

Yes, whole wheat pizza dough is a great healthier alternative and will work perfectly with this recipe.

2. How do I make my pizza crust thicker?

To make a thicker crust, use more dough and avoid stretching it out too thin. You can also let it rise a bit longer before baking.

3. Can I freeze the pizza?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few more minutes to the cooking time.