Vegetable Pizza

A delicious, colorful, and healthy twist on classic pizza! Packed with fresh veggies, melted cheese, and a crispy crust, this homemade vegetable pizza is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Servings: 8 slices (1 large pizza)

Total Time: 1.5 hours (including dough rising)

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Step 1: Pizza Dough (Makes 1 large pizza, 12–14 inches)

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Pizza Toppings & Assembly

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ½ cup black olives (sliced, optional)
• ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup fresh spinach or arugula (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it inside while preheating.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the dough into a 12–14 inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
   • Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
   • Evenly distribute bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
   • Add a sprinkle of oregano and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
4. Bake:
   • Transfer to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Remove from oven and drizzle with olive oil.
   • Add fresh spinach or arugula on top for a refreshing bite.
   • Slice and enjoy!

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Nutritional Values (Per Slice, 8 Servings)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg