Let’s be honest: there’s something about homemade vegetarian pizza that simply tastes better. You can add whatever toppings your heart desires, put as much cheese as you want (or none at all), and best of all, a crispy crust that has just the right amount of crunch and is fresh out of the oven. Definitely no soggy, sad delivery scenario here.
This recipe is for those people that want a vegetarian pizza that tastes good. No bland toppings and no cardboard crusts. Just a cheesy, crispy masterpiece with sauces that blend beautifully. If you’re also trying to add more vegetables to your diet, this recipe is a great way to start.
Let’s get to cooking! Trust me, you’re going to want to eat a slice as soon as possible.
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Quick Guide
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Why This Veggie Pizza Recipe is a Winner
- Crispy crust – Because no one wants a floppy, sad pizza.
- Packed with fresh veggies – We’re talking bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and whatever else your heart desires.
- Garlic butter brushed crust – This is the secret to that irresistible golden edge.
- Cheese perfection – Mozzarella, a little parmesan, and maybe even a sprinkle of feta if you’re feeling fancy.
- Super easy sauce – No need for anything store-bought. You’ll whip up a quick homemade pizza sauce that’s so much better.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough (or grab a pre-made one, I won’t judge)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Pizza Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for the crust)
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How to Make the Best Veggie Pizza
1. Make the Dough (or Cheat and Buy One)
When it comes to preparing the dough yourself, it’s very simple. All you need are a few ingredients and some water to dissolve the sugar and yeast in. It really is working if it starts to look foamy after around 5 minutes. If you see froth forming, that means the yeast is indeed doing it’s job. After this initial step, mix in the salt, flour, and olive oil too. Knead it until it’s smooth, pop the dough in a covered bowl, and leave it to rise for around 1 hour.
From experience, if you’re really in a rush, the restaurant frozen pizza dough also works equally well. It is okay to use.
2. Prep the Sauce
Use a small saucepan to heat the olive oil on medium heat. Include the garlic and saute until it becomes fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Following that, add in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, and let it simmer. Do not miss this step as it adds extra flavor to the sauce.
3. Preheat and Roll Out the Dough
Set your oven to 475 degrees. That is correct, high heat is necessary. Roll the dough over a floured surface to about 12 inches. If you thin crusts, go ahead and roll it out a bit more.
Place the dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the edges with olive oil and sprinkle on garlic powder. These are what give it that wonderful pizzeria style crust.
4. Load Up the Toppings
Pour the sauce into a dough and spread evenly. After that, add the delicious mozzarella cheese on top. Now it’s time for the veggies. Spread the mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and zucchini. If you like some heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop the pizza in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the crust is golden brown. If you like an extra crispy crust, let it go for another minute or two.
6. Slice and Enjoy
Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes (I know, tough) before digging into it. After that, take a slice and enjoy the most delectable vegetarian pizza you’ll wrested made.
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What Vegetables Go Well On a Pizza?
A ton of veggies taste amazing on pizza, but some work better than others. Here’s a solid list of the best ones to pile on:
Best Vegetables for Pizza
- Bell Peppers – Sweet, colorful, and add a nice crunch.
- Mushrooms – Earthy and meaty, they soak up all the pizza flavors.
- Onions – Red, white, or yellow—adds a bit of sharpness and sweetness when caramelized.
- Black Olives – Briny, salty, and a total classic.
- Spinach – Wilts beautifully and pairs well with ricotta or feta.
- Zucchini – Light, slightly sweet, and delicious when thinly sliced.
- Tomatoes – Fresh cherry tomatoes or sun-dried ones add a juicy, tangy kick.
- Artichokes – Slightly tangy and soft, great for Mediterranean-style pizza.
- Jalapeños – For a little heat (or a lot, if you’re feeling bold).
- Broccoli – Sounds weird, but roasted broccoli on pizza is actually amazing.
- Eggplant – Thinly sliced and roasted, it brings a creamy texture.
- Garlic – Minced, roasted, or even whole cloves—it adds a deep, savory kick.
- Banana Peppers – Tangy and mildly spicy, perfect for balancing rich cheeses.
- Corn – Sweet and crunchy, especially good with BBQ sauce.
- Caramelized Onions – Sweet, jammy, and perfect with sharp cheeses like blue cheese or goat cheese.
Pro Tips for Veggies on Pizza:
- Thinly slice watery veggies (like zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes) to avoid making the pizza soggy.
- Roast firmer veggies (like broccoli or eggplant) beforehand so they’re tender by the time the pizza is done baking.
- Pair the right cheese with your veggies—feta with spinach, provolone with mushrooms, goat cheese with caramelized onions…you get the idea.
Basically, if you like it, throw it on your veggie pizza. Just don’t go overboard, or things will get too soggy.
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Tips for the Best Homemade Veggie Pizza
- Use fresh dough. If you’re buying dough, let it come to room temp before rolling it out. Cold dough doesn’t stretch well.
- Don’t overload it. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Stick to a balanced mix.
- Go easy on wet veggies. Mushrooms and zucchini release water when they cook, so slice them thin.
- Try different cheeses. Mozzarella is classic, but feta, goat cheese, or provolone are great too.
- Crank up the heat. A hot oven (475°F or higher) is key for that crispy crust.
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What to Serve with Veggie Pizza
While a veggie pizza is wholesome on its own, adding a side of Chicken Paprikash will undoubtedly enhance the experience. Just hear me out- this Hungarian classic is both creamy and rich, giving the dish a gentle smokey flavor. Pairing it with a slice of crisp cheesy pizza will bring out the best in the meal. The mix of saucy chicken with light and fluffy pizza? Perfectly divine.
And for dessert? Dig into Crab Brulee. I know it sounds strange, but this dish is definitely an out of the box way to end your meal. If you’re already trying out a veggie-loaded pizza, why not take it a step further?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Veggie Pizza
Q: Can I Make This Veggie Pizza Vegan?
A: Absolutely! Just swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative. There are some amazing plant-based mozzarellas out there that melt just like the real thing.
Q: How Do I Keep the Crust from Getting Soggy?
A: A few tricks: Don’t overload the toppings, go easy on wet veggies like mushrooms, and bake at a high temperature so the crust crisps up quickly.
Q: Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
A: Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Q: What’s the Best Cheese for Veggie Pizza?
A: Mozzarella is the go-to, but if you want extra flavor, mix in a little parmesan, provolone, or feta.
Q: Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza?
A: Yep! Just wrap slices in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 375°F until warm and crispy.
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Reader Feedback
Megan J.“I made this veggie pizza recipe yesterday and I can surely say this is going to be my favorite! The garlic butter crust was very unique and the toppings were well matched. My husband, who loves meat, also got a second serving. I will for sure be making this again.”
Jeremy K.“The best veggie pizza recipe I came across is this homemade one. Not only was the sauce easy to make, but roasting the veggies prior to baking was phenomenal. Adding a sprinkling of feta on top made it even more amazing. Thank you for such a great recipe.”
Your Comments Help Us! Have you tried this crispy, cheesy veggie pizza recipe? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you, what toppings you added, or any fun twists you tried. Your feedback helps everyone who reads them!
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So there you have it! An incredibly delicious veggie pizza bake that’s super simple and comes with heaps of toppings such as mozzarella cheese. Whether you are preparing this for an unpretentious supper or a delightful pizza night, it is bound to win every single time and become everyone’s favorite.