Get ready to elevate your pizza night with a delightful twist that will tantalize your taste buds! Our Roasted Veggie and Homemade Ricotta Pizza combines the creamy richness of freshly made ricotta with the vibrant flavors of perfectly roasted vegetables. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of golden-brown crust topped with a medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, all drizzled with a hint of olive oil. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a feast for the eyes but a wholesome delight that’s surprisingly easy to make. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the delicious details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup homemade ricotta cheese
- 2 cups assorted roasted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the pizzas.
- If you haven't already, prepare the homemade ricotta cheese. To make ricotta, heat 4 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of white vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until curds form. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve, then season with salt to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare your assorted vegetables for roasting. Chop bell peppers, zucchini, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- While the vegetables are roasting, roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 inch thick. If you prefer a thicker crust, leave it slightly thicker.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using a pizza stone, make sure to preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before adding the dough.
- Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove them from the oven and set aside.
- Spread a generous layer of the homemade ricotta cheese over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the roasted vegetables over the ricotta layer, followed by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- If desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added flavor and richness.
- Bake the pizza in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Serve the roasted veggie and homemade ricotta pizza hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or arugula if desired.
Tips
- Make Your Ricotta Ahead of Time: Prepare the homemade ricotta cheese a day in advance to save time on pizza night. It will keep well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Choose Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite seasonal vegetables for roasting. Asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can also add unique flavors and textures to your pizza.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F (245°C) before baking the pizza. A hot oven is key to achieving a crispy crust.
- Experiment with Dough Thickness: Roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. For a chewier crust, keep it a bit thicker; for a crispier bite, roll it out thinner.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish your pizza with fresh herbs like basil or arugula after baking for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
- Don’t Skip the Drizzle: A light drizzle of olive oil over the assembled pizza before baking can enhance the flavors and give your pizza a beautiful sheen.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pizza while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden crust and bubbling cheese at around the 10-minute mark.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your pizza hot out of the oven. It’s perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep it all to yourself!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 495kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
