Rainbow Veggie Crunch Pizza

The foundation of any great pizza is the dough. While it might be tempting to grab a pre-made crust, making your own dough can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your pizza. The key ingredients in a basic pizza dough include all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, sugar, and salt.

Discover the vibrant Rainbow Veggie Crunch Pizza, a delightful twist on traditional pizza that combines homemade dough, rich tomato sauce, and an array of colorful vegetables. This recipe is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious eaters. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal, follow our step-by-step guide to create this mouthwatering pizza and elevate your cooking game. Enjoy a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet!

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Ingredients

For the dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

¾ cup warm water (around 110°F)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the sauce:

1 cup tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced

½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

½ zucchini, thinly sliced

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, sliced

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

- Begin by activating the yeast: Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil.

- Stir until a cohesive dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.

- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the sauce:

- While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce by mixing the tomato sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside to blend the flavors.

Preheat the oven:

- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet.

Shape the pizza:

- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into your desired shape, aiming for a diameter of about 12 inches.

- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a floured pizza peel or a sheet of parchment paper if using a baking sheet.

Add sauce and cheese:

- Evenly spread the prepared sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

- Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.

Add the rainbow veggies:

- Artistically arrange sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese. Aim for a visually appealing rainbow pattern.

Bake the pizza:

- Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or the hot baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finish with avocado and basil:

- Once out of the oven, allow the pizza to cool for a minute. Top it with fresh avocado slices and garnish with basil leaves for a burst of freshness.

Slice and serve:

- Gently slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors and delightful textures from each vegetable.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 4 servings