Description
This Veggie Garden Pesto Pizza is a delightful homemade Italian-inspired dish that features a crispy pizza crust topped with fragrant basil pesto, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a colorful medley of fresh garden vegetables including cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and black olives. Drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh basil leaves, this vegetarian pizza is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, then carefully transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Apply the pesto: Spread the basil pesto evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges free for a nice crust.
- Add cheese and vegetables: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto, then layer the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and black olives evenly across the pizza.
- Season and oil: Drizzle the vegetables lightly with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using for a hint of heat.
- Bake the pizza: Transfer the pizza on the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Slice into four portions and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or artichokes based on what’s in season.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- If you prefer a spicier pizza, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use a pizza stone if available as it helps achieve an evenly crispy bottom crust.
