Veggie Extravaganza Pizza

Veggie Extravaganza Pizza: A Flavorful Delight

UNO Veggie Extravaganza Thin Crust Pizza: House-roasted red onions, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash and tomatoes with baby spinach, mushrooms, mozzarella, aged cheddar and Romano cheeses. (PRNewsFoto/UNO Pizzeria & Grill)

Table of Contents

Toggle

Introduction

Indulge in the savory delight of a Veggie Extravaganza Pizza, a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and tantalizing flavors that will elevate your pizza experience to new heights. This recipe combines a medley of colorful veggies with a crispy crust and gooey cheese, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking for a meat-free meal option, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings for something deliciously wholesome.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the toppings:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.
3. Roll out the Dough:
   • Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a circle of desired thickness.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper.
   • Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
   • Arrange the diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, black olives, red onions, chopped spinach, and cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese.
   • Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper over the veggies.
   • Finish by sprinkling the crumbled feta cheese on top.
5. Bake the Pizza:
   • Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Serve slices of Veggie Extravaganza Pizza hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite.

How to Prepare

To prepare this Veggie Extravaganza Pizza, start by making the dough from scratch. Once the dough has risen, roll it out and assemble the pizza with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Bake it in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Preparation Time

The preparation time for Veggie Extravaganza Pizza is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including dough preparation, topping assembly, and baking.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 11g

Storage Conditions

To store leftover Veggie Extravaganza Pizza, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch?
   • Yes, you can certainly use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just follow the package instructions for rolling it out and baking.
2. Can I add other vegetables to the pizza?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or artichokes.
3. Can I make this pizza vegan?
   • Yes, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite vegan cheese alternative to make this pizza vegan-friendly.
4. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
   • To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet adequately. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce and toppings.
5. Can I freeze the pizza for later?
   • Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizza for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Veggie Extravaganza Pizza offers a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and gooey cheese atop a crispy crust. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night with friends or craving a wholesome homemade meal, this pizza is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy the satisfaction of making your own delicious pizza right in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a slice of Veggie Extravaganza Pizza goodness!