Description
Vegetable Sheet Pan Pizza
Description: Love garlic? This vegetable sheet pan pizza is infused with garlicky goodness, fresh veggies, and cheesy perfection. A delightful dish for any occasion!
Ingredients:
1 package pizza dough
1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
½ cup diced green peppers
¼ cup sliced black olives
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread dough over a greased sheet pan.
Evenly spread tomato sauce on the dough.
Layer mozzarella cheese, then add mushrooms, green peppers, and olives.
Sprinkle minced garlic and dried parsley on top.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.
Cool for 5 minutes, slice, and enjoy.
#GarlicLoversPizza
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, remove your pizza dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to stretch. While it rests, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and generously grease a standard half-sheet pan (18″x13″) with olive oil. Place the dough in the center of the pan and, using your fingertips, gently press it outwards. Let it relax for 5 minutes, then continue stretching until it reaches the edges of the pan. For an extra-crispy crust, par-bake the dough alone for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings. Next, spread the tomato sauce evenly, leaving a small border for the crust. Layer on the shredded mozzarella, followed by the mushrooms, green peppers, and black olives. Finally, sprinkle the minced garlic and dried parsley evenly over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pizza is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a fun appetizer or side, serve with a bowl of marinara or garlic-infused olive oil for dipping the crust. If you’re hosting a crowd, consider offering a variety of hot sauces or chili flakes for those who enjoy extra heat. A chilled, crisp white wine or a light lager complements the garlic and vegetable flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In short: bring dough to room temp, press into a greased sheet pan, optionally par-bake, add sauce, cheese, veggies, garlic, and parsley, then bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced? Absolutely! For a more potent flavor, use 4-5 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed.
How can I prevent a soggy crust? The key is to avoid overloading with wet toppings. Ensure your vegetables are dry, and consider the par-baking step mentioned in the guide.
What other vegetables work well? Thinly sliced red onions, spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers are excellent additions or substitutions.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the vegetables and grate the cheese ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using cold dough straight from the fridge, as it will be difficult to stretch and may shrink. Do not skip greasing the pan, or the crust will stick. Overloading the pizza with sauce or too many wet vegetables is a common pitfall that leads to a soggy center. Finally, do not slice the pizza immediately after baking; letting it cool for 5 minutes allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner cuts.
Conclusion
This Vegetable Sheet Pan Pizza is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the robust flavor of garlic with fresh, healthy vegetables. Its simplicity and scalability make it ideal for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and achieve a delicious, crispy-crusted pizza every time. Enjoy the process of customizing it with your favorite toppings and savor the garlicky, cheesy result!
