There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, cheesy pizza fresh out of the oven. But what if you want to enjoy that deliciousness while keeping things meat-free and wholesome?
This easy vegetarian pizza recipe is the answer! Bursting with colorful veggies, melty cheese, and a crispy crust, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even a fun cooking activity with the family.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and endlessly customizable. You’ll love how simple it is to turn basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that everyone, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, will adore.
Plus, making pizza at home allows you to control exactly what goes on your pie, ensuring fresh, natural ingredients without any hidden additives. Ready to roll up your sleeves and create a veggie-packed masterpiece?
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this vegetarian pizza will become your new favorite go-to meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian pizza recipe is designed with simplicity and flavor in mind. Using fresh vegetables and a homemade or store-bought crust, it offers a healthy and satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
The combination of gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and a medley of veggies is a match made in heaven.
It’s also incredibly versatile—feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. The crust is easy to prepare with pantry staples, and the whole pizza bakes quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’ve enjoyed other vegetarian dishes like the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or want to explore more plant-based options like the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals, this pizza fits perfectly into your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | For dough |
Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | To activate dough |
Sugar | 1 tsp | Feeds the yeast |
Warm water | 1 cup (110°F/43°C) | For yeast activation |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp | For dough and drizzling |
Salt | 1 tsp | For dough seasoning |
Tomato sauce | ½ cup | Preferably homemade or store-bought pizza sauce |
Mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups shredded | Use vegetarian or vegan cheese if preferred |
Bell peppers | 1 medium, sliced | Red or yellow for sweetness |
Red onion | ½ medium, thinly sliced | Adds mild sharpness |
Mushrooms | ½ cup sliced | Button or cremini work great |
Kalamata olives | ¼ cup pitted and halved | Optional for briny flavor |
Cherry tomatoes | ½ cup halved | For bursts of sweetness |
Fresh basil leaves | Handful | For garnish and flavor |
Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Classic pizza seasoning |
Crushed red pepper flakes | Optional, to taste | For a little heat |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – for dough preparation
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork – for activating yeast
- Rolling pin – to shape the dough
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven – preheated to 475°F (245°C)
- Sharp knife – for slicing vegetables
- Cheese grater – if shredding your own cheese
- Pastry brush – optional, for olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is alive and ready.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add a little flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Let the dough rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- Prepare toppings: While the dough is rising, wash and slice your vegetables — bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and pit the olives. Grate the mozzarella cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle or your preferred shape and thickness. Transfer it carefully to a baking sheet or pizza peel if using a stone.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Add vegetables: Arrange the sliced bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, olives, and cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven on the middle rack or slide onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with a little olive oil if you like, slice, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
For a crispier crust, pre-bake your rolled-out dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonality or personal preference. Try adding spinach, artichoke hearts, or even roasted eggplant for extra depth.
If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
For an even more flavorful sauce, mix your tomato base with minced garlic, fresh herbs, or a pinch of smoked paprika. Want a little extra protein?
Add cooked chickpeas or crumbled paneer before baking.
If you’re interested in homemade bases beyond pizza, check out the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for versatile flatbreads that work wonderfully alongside this pizza.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal | 16% |
Carbohydrates | 40 g | 13% |
Protein | 14 g | 28% |
Fat | 10 g | 15% |
Saturated Fat | 4 g | 20% |
Fiber | 5 g | 20% |
Sodium | 550 mg | 23% |
Calcium | 250 mg | 25% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a bowl of warm soup.
If you want to keep the meal plant-based and wholesome, check out the Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal for complementary dishes.
For drinks, a chilled sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir balances the richness of the cheese and veggies beautifully.
Conclusion
Making delicious vegetarian pizza at home is easier than you think! With simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and this step-by-step recipe, you can create a delightful meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things wholesome and meat-free.
The best part? You can customize it endlessly to match your tastes and pantry supplies.
If you’re inspired to try more comforting vegetarian recipes, don’t miss exploring our collection like the Vegetarian Russian Recipes for Delicious Meatless Meals or the Gold Star Vegetarian Chili Recipe: Easy & Flavorful Meal.
Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, veggie-packed bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegetarian Pizza
Description: A quick and delicious vegetarian pizza with fresh veggies and melted cheese. Perfect for a simple homemade meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (12-inch)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Top with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and red onions.
- Sprinkle oregano, basil, and salt over the toppings.
- Drizzle olive oil on top.
- Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 35g
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