Why I Love This Simple Veggie Pizza
If there’s one recipe I never get tired of, it’s this simple veggie pizza recipe. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. Just crisp golden crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and fresh vegetables that burst with flavor when they roast in the oven.
As someone who grew up in a kitchen where pizza was made almost every week, I’ve played around with countless toppings, dough styles, and baking methods. But nothing beats the charm of a vegetarian pizza that’s light, wholesome, and colorful.
This recipe isn’t overloaded. It’s balanced. Every bite gives you crunch from bell peppers, sweetness from caramelized onions, and earthy richness from mushrooms — all tied together by that unmistakable aroma of melted mozzarella.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro to make it. This is the kind of recipe where you invite your kids to sprinkle cheese, your friends to choose toppings, and the oven does the rest.
🥖 Ingredients & Measurements
Here’s everything you’ll need for one large sheet pan veggie pizza (or two medium round pizzas).
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups (440g) |
| Instant yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) |
| Warm water (not hot) | 1 ¼ cups (300ml) |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp + extra |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp |
| Pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought) | 1 cup (250ml) |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 2 cups (200g) |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 1 cup (100g) |
| Red onion (thinly sliced) | ½ medium |
| Bell peppers (red & yellow) | 1 cup (100g) |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | ½ cup (75g) |
| Black olives (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | handful |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | To taste |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, sugar, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Add flour and salt, mixing until it comes together into a dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 7–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.
(If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough, but trust me — homemade is worth it!)
2. Prep the Veggies
- Slice mushrooms, onions, and peppers thin so they roast evenly.
- Pat mushrooms dry (they release water).
- Toss everything lightly in olive oil, salt, and oregano.
3. Shape the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to fit your sheet pan or pizza stone.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined tray and brush edges with olive oil.
4. Assemble the Pizza
- Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving about 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella first.
- Arrange your veggies generously but without overcrowding.
- Add the rest of the cheese and a light dusting of oregano.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool 3–4 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
🌟 Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Veggie Pizza
- Pre-roast watery veggies: If using zucchini, spinach, or eggplant, roast them a few minutes first to prevent sogginess.
- Cheese balance matters: Too much cheese will drown out your veggies. Keep it balanced.
- High heat = crispy crust: Always bake pizza at the highest your oven safely allows.
- Use fresh herbs last: Basil should be added after baking so it stays bright and fragrant.
- Try variations: Add sweet corn, roasted garlic, or artichokes if you want more layers of flavor.
❓ FAQ – Simple Veggie Pizza Recipe
Q1: Can I make this pizza without cheese?
Yes! Use vegan mozzarella or skip cheese altogether and focus on roasted veggies with a drizzle of olive oil.
Q2: What’s the best sauce for veggie pizza?
Classic tomato sauce is perfect, but you can switch it up with pesto or even a white garlic cream base.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to a month.
Q4: How do I get a crispy bottom?
Bake on a preheated pizza stone or cast-iron pan. Even a hot baking sheet helps.
Q5: Which veggies work best?
Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes are classics. But zucchini, broccoli, and spinach also shine.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This simple veggie pizza recipe proves that sometimes the most humble combinations bring the most joy. A golden crust, a handful of fresh vegetables, melted cheese, and that unmistakable Italian aroma — it’s comfort food that never disappoints.
Every time I pull this pizza out of the oven, my kitchen fills with the smell of roasted garlic, bubbling cheese, and herbs. And honestly? That moment alone is worth making pizza from scratch.
So the next time you’re craving something easy yet vibrant, gather your favorite veggies, roll out some dough, and create your own Italian-style veggie pizza masterpiece.
Because pizza doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be made with love. ❤️🍕
See Also: Sicilian Style Pizza Dough Recipe – Fluffy, Crispy & Straight from the Pan
Vinit Hirave is a passionate content writer for Pizzetteria Brunetti. A true pizza enthusiast, Vinit’s love for authentic flavors goes beyond the keyboard—he has hands-on experience working in a pizza shop, giving him a deep understanding of what makes a perfect slice. Through his writing, he shares stories, tips, and insights that reflect both his industry knowledge and his genuine affection for the art of pizza-making.