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This delicious Veggie Pizza Recipe features homemade dough and colorful fresh vegetables. Make restaurant-quality vegetarian pizza at home with mushrooms, peppers, olives, and melted mozzarella cheese — better than delivery and on the table in an hour!
Quick Recipe Overview
WHAT: Homemade veggie pizza with yeast crust, mozzarella, mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, and fresh tomatoes on a golden brown base.
WHY: Fresh ingredients, customizable toppings, and half the cost of takeout with twice the flavor and satisfaction of homemade cooking.
HOW: Make simple dough, let rise 30 minutes, roll onto baking sheet, top with sauce and vegetables, bake 15 minutes at 425°F.
Table of Contents
- Quick Recipe Overview
- Why I Love Making Veggie Pizza Recipe
- Ingredient Notes
- Easy Veggie Pizza Recipe: Fresh Vegetables & Melty Cheese Recipe
- How To Make Veggie Pizza
- Toppings Variations
- FAQs for Veggie Pizza Recipe
- My Best Tips for Making Veggie Pizza
- What to Serve With Veggie Pizza
- Storage & Reheating Tips Vegetable Pizza Recipe
- Similar Recipes to Try
- More Pizza Recipes To Try
Why I Love Making Veggie Pizza Recipe
Friday night pizza has been a tradition in our house for years, but ordering takeout got expensive and the veggie options were always disappointing. That’s when I started making this homemade version.
What makes this recipe wonderful is the combination of fresh vegetables on a homemade crust that actually tastes incredible. The dough comes together easily, and while it rises, you can prep your toppings. The mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onion bring bright flavors, while the black olives add a salty punch that balances everything perfectly.
My favorite part? Everyone can customize their half of the pizza. My kids load up their side with extra cheese and olives, while I pile on the mushrooms and tomatoes. It’s become our weekly ritual where we gather in the kitchen, roll out the dough together, and create something delicious from scratch.
🩷 Melissa
Pizza night doesn’t mean you can’t include veggies! But you don’t have to worry about moderation with this veggie-packed pizza.
It’s cheesy, bright, full of fresh vegetables, and made with a simple homemade crust that you’ll be shocked by how easy it is to make. It’s our go-to when we want a simple dinner that still has good nutrients but tastes super fun and indulgent.
Plus it’s a great prep-ahead option. Cut up the veggies and make the dough through the first rise and chill everything for up to a couple of days!
Ingredient Notes
Instant Yeast: Activates quickly without needing to bloom in warm water first, making the dough process faster. If you only have active dry yeast, it works too – just give it extra time to proof.
Pizza Sauce: Can be homemade or store-bought – both work wonderfully. I often use a simple marinara sauce that I have on hand, or even crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Used at the end to add a pop of fresh flavor and color. It’s optional but highly recommended – the fresh herbs really elevate the finished pizza.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Easy Veggie Pizza Recipe: Fresh Vegetables & Melty Cheese
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
For the Pizza:
- 1 cup pizza sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet bell peppers
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup chopped black olives
- 1/3 cup chopped roma tomato
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley, optional
Instructions
To make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Allow mixture to stand for 5 minutes.1 1/4 cup warm water, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add one cup of flour, and mix to combine. Mix by hand for 1 or 2 minutes. The dough should be the consistency of cake batter.3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- Add another cup of flour, and mix until well combined. Add flour in small increments until you can’t mix it by hand very well.3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- Sprinkle some flour on your table, and turn the dough onto the table. Knead the dough by hand until it is smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed. This should take 6 to 10 minutes of kneading. (You can also mix and knead the dough in a stand mixer if you have one.)3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
To make the pizza:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F.
- When the oven is hot, turn your dough out onto a parchment paper-lined or baking mat-lined large baking sheet. Use your fingers or a small rolling pin to shape the pizza into a round or square pizza, about 12 inches across. The dough should be about 1/2-inch thick.
- Top with pizza sauce and then the shredded mozzarella. Add the mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, olives, and tomatoes.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup chopped sweet bell peppers, 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/3 cup chopped roma tomato, 1/3 cup chopped black olives
- When the pizza is assembled, place the pizza in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bottom of the crust is golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle the pizza with chopped basil and/or parsley if using.1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving hot.
Notes
- Dough Consistency: Start with 3 cups of flour and add more gradually as needed. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Different flours absorb water differently, so you may need anywhere from 3 to 3 1/2 cups total.
- Rising Time: If your kitchen is cool, place the covered dough bowl in a warm spot like near a sunny window or inside your oven with just the light on. The dough should roughly double in size during the 30-minute rise.
- Pre-cook Mushrooms: For best results, sauté the mushrooms in a pan for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the pizza. This removes excess moisture and prevents a soggy crust.
- Crust Texture: For a crispier crust, prebake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings. For a chewier crust, brush the edges with olive oil before baking.
Nutrition
How To Make Veggie Pizza
Step 1: Combine warm water, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
Step 2: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F and prep all your vegetables – slice mushrooms, chop bell peppers, thinly slice red onion, chop black olives and tomatoes. Have your pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella ready to go.
Step 3: Turn risen dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your fingers or a rolling pin to shape it into a 12-inch round or square about 1/2-inch thick. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, sprinkle with mozzarella, then arrange all the vegetables on top.
Step 4: Place on the oven rack and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown on the bottom. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired, let rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Toppings Variations
Additional Vegetables
Try zucchini, celery, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, red bell pepper, spinach, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, artichoke hearts, or jalapeños for extra flavor and variety.
Protein Options
Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, or ground beef for a heartier pizza.
Cheese Variations
Mix in feta, goat cheese, parmesan, or provolone alongside the mozzarella for more complex flavors.
Herbs
Top with fresh basil, oregano, arugula, or fresh thyme after baking for a burst of freshness. You can also use dried herbs such as onion powder, garlic powder or dill weed.
Finishing Touches
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, pesto, or garlic-infused olive oil, or add red pepper flakes for heat.
FAQs for Veggie Pizza Recipe
The key is not overloading the pizza with sauce or wet toppings. Use just enough sauce to lightly coat the dough (about 1 cup for a 12-inch pizza), and if your fresh veggies release a lot of moisture (like fresh tomatoes), pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the pizza.
You can substitute active dry yeast in the same amount. Just bloom it in the warm water with the sugar for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy before adding the other ingredients.
For the vegetables in this recipe – mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, olives, and tomatoes – no pre-cooking is needed. They’ll cook perfectly in the 15-minute baking time. However, if you want to add harder vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or butternut squash, you’ll need to roast them first until they’re just tender.
Yes! Store-bought dough works great if you’re short on time. Just let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out, which makes it much easier to shape. You’ll skip straight to the topping step.
My Best Tips for Making Veggie Pizza
☞Keep your ingredients cold when making the dough: While the water should be warm for the yeast, using cold olive oil helps create a better texture. It might seem counter-intuitive, but it works beautifully.
☞Don’t skip the 5-minute rest after baking: I know it’s tempting to cut into that pizza immediately, but letting it rest allows the cheese to set slightly, which means cleaner slices and fewer toppings sliding off.
☞Pre-slice your vegetables uniformly: Thin, even slices cook more evenly and look more professional. I aim for about 1/4-inch thickness on everything except the onions, which I slice a bit thinner since they’re stronger in flavor.
☞Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat: This is a game-changer for transferring your pizza to the oven and cleanup. You can assemble the entire pizza on the parchment paper, then slide it (paper and all) onto your baking sheet.
☞Preheat your oven fully before baking: A hot oven (425°F) is crucial for getting that golden brown crust. If your oven runs cool, bump it up to 450°F.
What to Serve With Veggie Pizza
When serving veggie pizza, a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.
Garlic bread is always a welcome addition—brush sliced Italian bread with garlic butter and toast until golden for an indulgent side. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans seasoned with olive oil and sea salt complement the pizza beautifully.
For an Italian-themed spread, arrange an antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, fresh mozzarella, and pepperoncini. If you want to make the meal heartier, a light tomato basil soup or minestrone works wonderfully without overwhelming the pizza.
Storage & Reheating Tips Vegetable Pizza Recipe
Room Temperature
Pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before they need to be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage
Place leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. They’ll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezer Storage
Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat leftover veggie pizza in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the bottom crisps up, then cover briefly to melt the cheese. Alternatively, use a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the crust soggy and the vegetables limp.
Make-Ahead Tips
The dough can be made 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. You can also pre-chop all your vegetables and store them in containers in the fridge the night before pizza night.
Similar Recipes to Try
- Margherita Pizza – Keep it classic with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil
- Artichoke Pizza – Tender artichoke hearts with garlic and cheese for a sophisticated flavor
- Pineapple Pizza – Sweet pineapple with savory toppings for a controversial but beloved combination
- Homemade Pizza with Chicken and Bacon – Savory combination of tender chicken and crispy bacon for a protein-packed meal
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza – Spicy buffalo sauce with chicken, ranch or blue cheese drizzle for bold, tangy flavors
More Pizza Recipes To Try
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WoW!!! how do you make the pepporoni?