Description
This Broccoli White Pizza is a delicious vegetarian pizza featuring a creamy garlic ricotta base topped with tender broccoli florets, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It is rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it an ideal dish for a weeknight dinner or a fun homemade pizza night.
Ingredients
For the Pizza
- 1 (12- to 14-inch) pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional, for pizza peel)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up, ensuring a crisp crust.
- Prepare Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, coating them evenly for roasting.
- Mix Ricotta and Garlic: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with minced garlic to create a flavorful base spread.
- Shape Dough: Stretch the pizza dough into a 12- to 14-inch round shape and transfer it onto parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Spread Ricotta Mixture: Evenly spread the garlic-ricotta mixture over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese continuously over the ricotta layer for a cheesy foundation.
- Add Broccoli and Toppings: Distribute the prepared broccoli evenly over the cheese, then top with grated Parmesan, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake Pizza: Transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 2–3 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve warm to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful experience.
Notes
- Blanch the broccoli for 1 minute prior to topping the pizza if you prefer extra-tender broccoli florets.
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor variations.
- A drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze after baking adds a delicious finishing touch to enhance sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
