Description
A quick and delicious veggie pizza featuring a crispy pre-baked crust topped with garden vegetable cream cheese and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy snack or light meal, this recipe is simple to prepare and serves 12 slices.
Ingredients
Crust and Base
- 13.8 ounce tube refrigerated pizza crust
- 2 Tablespoons light olive oil
- 2 (7.5 ounce) tubs garden vegetable cream cheese
- Salt, pepper and garlic powder, to taste (about a teaspoon each)
Vegetable Toppings
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, yellow or a combination)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a large 10”x 15” sheet pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape the crust: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto the prepared sheet pan and spread it out evenly all the way to the edges.
- Poke and oil the crust: Use a fork to poke the crust thoroughly to prevent it from puffing up during baking, then brush the surface evenly with light olive oil.
- Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until it begins to turn lightly golden brown, ensuring not to overbake or it will become tough.
- Cool the crust: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely for about 30 minutes before adding toppings.
- Spread the cream cheese base: Evenly spread the garden vegetable cream cheese over the cooled crust, then season with approximately one teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced green onion, and shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Slice and serve: Slice the pizza into 12 even pieces and serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly.
- Make ahead option: This pizza can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Follow all steps and refrigerate after assembling. Slice just before serving.
Notes
- Pre-baking the crust prevents sogginess and ensures crispness.
- Letting the crust cool completely before spreading the cream cheese helps maintain the texture of the pizza.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable toppings according to your preferences.
- Leftover pizza should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days.
- If preparing ahead, add fresh toppings like green onion just before serving for best freshness.
