Patrick Oconnell
Veg cheese pizza is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be easily prepared at home. It is a fun and indulgent meal packed with bright, colourful vegetables and a simple homemade crust. The best pizzas are cooked in a hot wood-fired oven, but a standard oven can also be used to achieve a golden crust and gooey cheese. The dough can be made with warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and flour, and the toppings can include vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes, along with cheese and pizza sauce. The pizza is then baked until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. With a flexible recipe and the option to customise the crust and toppings, veg cheese pizza is a great dish to prepare and enjoy at home.
How to Prepare Veg Cheese Pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Whole wheat, crescent roll, or naan |
| Dough ingredients | Water, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, flour |
| Sauce | Canned marinara or pizza sauce |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta, Greek yogurt |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, radish, onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery, tomatoes, artichoke, spinach, mushrooms, olives, cucumber, cauliflower, red and orange peppers |
| Spices | Oregano, garlic, ranch seasoning, dill |
| Baking time | 10-25 minutes |
| Baking temperature | 200-210°C |
Explore related products
![Pizza Peel Aluminum Pizza Spatula, Mooues 12 inch Metal Pizza Paddle(12"x 14")with Rocker Cutter Foldable Wood Handle, [Storage bag included], for Family Pizza Oven Baking Pizza, Dough, Bread & Pastry](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81AmJyWUaCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Dough preparation
There are several ways to prepare dough for a veg cheese pizza, depending on the ingredients you have available and the time you have. You can make the dough from scratch, or use a pre-made base.
Making Dough from Scratch:
First, decide if you want to make a simple dough or a whole wheat dough. For a simple dough, you will need flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Mix the yeast with warm water (no more than 100°F/40°C) and let it stand for 5 minutes until it begins to foam. Then, add the sugar, salt, and olive oil, and mix to combine. Start with one cup of flour and gradually add more until the dough becomes too difficult to mix by hand. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
For a whole wheat dough, you can follow a similar process but use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
Pre-made Dough Options:
If you don't want to make your own dough, you can use pre-made pizza dough or crescent roll dough, which can be purchased from most grocery stores. You can also get creative and use naan bread or another type of flatbread as your pizza base.
- If your dough is sticky, knead in a little more flour until it becomes less sticky.
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake your pizza.
- If you want a thicker crust, let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour before shaping it.
- For a crispy and golden crust, bake the base alone for 10-12 minutes before adding your toppings.
Once your dough is prepared, you can move on to assembling your pizza with your choice of sauce, cheese, and vegetables.
Cheese Sticks: Pizza Hut's Oozy, Cheesy Delights?
You may want to see also
Choosing the vegetables
When it comes to choosing the vegetables for your veg cheese pizza, the world is your oyster! You can use whatever vegetables you like or have available. The best veggies to use are those that are quick-cooking, as the pizza won't be in the oven for very long. For example, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs are all great options. You can also get creative and use unconventional toppings like roasted beets, pickled radishes, or even fruit. If you want to use root vegetables like carrots or potatoes, it's best to pre-cook them or cut them into very small pieces.
Another thing to consider is whether you want to use fresh or cooked vegetables. If you're using fresh vegetables, make sure they are bright and colourful, and wash and slice them before adding them to your pizza. If you're using cooked vegetables, you can roast, boil, or sauté them before adding them to your pizza.
You can also choose to use a mix of both fresh and cooked vegetables on your pizza. For example, you could sauté some onions and peppers and then add them to your pizza with fresh slices of tomato and mushroom.
When it comes to preparing your vegetables, make sure they are washed and sliced into bite-sized pieces. You may also want to consider blanching or roasting them to enhance their flavour. For example, you could roast some bell peppers and onions to give them a slightly charred and sweet flavour.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your perfect veg cheese pizza. You can also add some meat to your pizza for a protein kick – pepperoni or sausage would work well.
Cooking Jewel's Cheese Crust Pizza: A Tasty Guide
You may want to see also
Preparing the sauce
If you are short on time, you can use store-bought pizza sauce or canned marinara. This will save you time and still result in a delicious pizza. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour of the sauce, such as garlic, spices, or herbs.
When making the sauce, it is important to consider the consistency. A thinner sauce will spread more easily, while a thicker sauce may be more difficult to work with but can result in a richer flavour. It is also important to taste the sauce as you make it to ensure it suits your preference.
Additionally, making a larger batch of sauce than you need is a great option, as it freezes well and can be used for future pizza nights. This way, you can ensure you always have some sauce ready to go when the craving for a veggie pizza strikes!
Mastering the Art of Melting Cheese on Pizzas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baking the pizza
Once you have prepared your pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, it's time to assemble and bake your pizza. The best pizzas are made in a hot wood-fired oven using a pizza stone, but you can still get great results in a regular oven.
First, spoon your tomato sauce over the dough, spreading it evenly across the base. Next, sprinkle your cheese over the sauce. Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza, as it has a mild flavour and melts beautifully. You can also add other cheeses, such as ricotta or cream cheese, for a more complex flavour. After adding your cheese, it's time to add your toppings. Popular vegetable toppings include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. If you are using root vegetables like carrots or potatoes, be sure to pre-cook them or cut them into very small pieces to ensure they cook through.
When your pizza is assembled, place it in the oven. If you want a golden crust, it is best to bake the base alone first, for about 12 minutes at 200°C. Then, remove the base from the oven and add your toppings and cheese. Place the pizza back in the oven and bake at 210°C for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. This will take about 15 minutes. If you want your cheese to be gooey, remove the pizza from the oven when the cheese is just starting to brown.
Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving hot. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cheese Pizza Carbs: How Many in a Large?
You may want to see also
Storing and reheating
Storing
If you have made a cold veggie pizza, such as the one with a cream cheese base, it is best stored in the refrigerator, well covered, for up to a day. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Reheating
There are several ways to reheat your veggie pizza, depending on the equipment you have available and the type of crust you prefer. Here are some common methods:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray or pizza pan with foil and place it in the oven for a few minutes to get hot. Then, carefully take the tray out and place the pizza on it. Put the tray back into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, checking occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the bottom is golden and crisp.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Line the basket with foil or an air fryer liner. Place your pizza slices in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, checking regularly, until the cheese is melted and the bottom is crispy.
- Stovetop: Place a nonstick pan on medium heat. Put your pizza slice in the pan and heat for a couple of minutes. Add a few drops of water to the pan, ensuring they don't land on the slice. Put the lid on and continue heating for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the base is crispy.
- Microwave: Place your pizza slice on a plate or paper towel and microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds. For more even heating, put a mug of water in the microwave next to the pizza.
Cheese Pizza and Pork: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
