If you were to ask me, “What’s the best vegetarian pizza in Chicago?”, I’d have to ask a few followup questions before I answered. Like, what kind of veggie pizza are we talking here? Because for me, when it comes to pizza, there isn’t one best. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a Neapolitan-style pie with an airy crust and minimal toppings. And sometimes I want something inventive, like the vegan spinach & ranch pizza at Middlebrow in Logan Square. And then there are those nights when nothing but a classic delivery pizza will do. That’s where this veggie pizza recipe comes in. I make it when I could really go for said delivery pizza, but we’ve just gotten takeout the night before or the delivery time sounded waayyy too long or etc., etc., etc. I’m sure you’ve been there: you want to order in, but for whatever reason that night, it just doesn’t make sense. This vegetarian pizza recipe is a lifesaver in those situations. Piled with bell peppers, briny artichokes, red onion, fresh basil, and 3 types of cheese, it tastes like delivery pizza (maybe even better?), and it’s quick and easy to make at home. It’s one of our weeknight staples. I hope you love it too!
Veggie Pizza Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this vegetarian pizza:
Pizza dough – Look for store-bought dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, or make your own dough! Tip: Homemade pizza dough freezes well. Make a double batch, and stash half in the freezer for your next pizza night! Cornmeal – For stretching the dough. Pizza sauce – I like to make a simple no-cook sauce in the food processor with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and salt. For a shortcut, store-bought works too! Asiago, pecorino, and mozzarella cheese – Yes, 3 kinds! I’m obsessed with the combo of the melty mozzarella, funky Asiago, and salty pecorino. To simplify, look for a “pizza” shredded cheese blend at your grocery store. Roasted red peppers – A classic veggie pizza topping! Jarred and homemade roasted peppers both work here. Artichoke hearts – They add tangy, briny flavor to this vegetarian pizza. Red onion – Slice it thinly so that it softens and sweetens in the oven. Jalapeño pepper – It’s unconventional but delicious. I love the kick of heat! For even more spice, top the pizza with red pepper flakes after it bakes. Extra-virgin olive oil – For drizzling. And fresh basil leaves – Scatter them over the pizza when it comes out of the oven.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Making this vegetarian pizza recipe is almost as easy as ordering delivery! Stretch the dough, spread on the sauce, and add the cheese and vegetables. Bake at 500°F until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese and toppings are browning too, 10 to 13 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Slice and serve!
Vegetarian Pizza Recipe Tips
Let the dough come to room temp. If you’re using refrigerated store-bought dough, or homemade dough that you made ahead and put in the fridge, make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before you stretch it. As it warms up it, it will become softer, more pliable, and easier to shape into a large oval. (Cold dough is stiff and tears easily.) I try to leave my dough on the counter for at least an hour before I stretch it. Pat the peppers and artichokes dry. You don’t want all that brine to make your pizza soggy! Grate the cheese on the large holes of a box grater. Typically, I grate pecorino cheese finely, using the small holes of a box grater or a microplane zester. But for this pizza, I grate all the cheeses (pecorino included!) on the large holes of a box grater. I like how the large shreds meld together, creating a uniform cheesy layer under the veggies. So put away that zester! You just need the large holes of your grater for this veggie pizza. Want something on the side? You can never go wrong with pizza and salad! This veggie pizza is great with my Italian chopped salad, Caesar salad, or arugula salad.
Vegetarian Pizza Recipe Variations
I love this vegetable pizza recipe as written, but if you want to change it up, by all means, do! So many veggie pizza toppings would be great here.
Add sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives, or mini broccoli florets. Use pepperoncini instead of the jalapeño. Brush the crust with pesto instead of pizza sauce. Replace the pecorino with Parmesan cheese. No basil? Scatter the pizza with fresh arugula instead.
Let me know what variations you try!
More Favorite Pizza Recipes
If you love this veggie pizza, try one of these delicious pizza recipes next:
How to Make Homemade Pizza Pesto Pizza Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Margherita Pizza Best Vegan Pizza Or experiment with these 25 Best Pizza Topping Ideas!
