Veggie Supreme Pizza: A Colorful, Flavor-Packed Slice of Heaven

Few meals are as universally loved as pizza, and the Veggie Supreme Pizza is a plant-forward powerhouse that proves you don’t need meat to deliver maximum flavor. With a crisp crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a rainbow of sautéed and fresh vegetables, this pizza is the perfect combination of indulgence and nutrition.

My love for veggie pizza started during a college summer working at a local pizzeria. While most customers went for pepperoni or sausage, the Veggie Supreme was a hidden gem—overflowing with vibrant bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives. The best part? The toppings were always fresh, and the flavors perfectly balanced. This recipe captures all that nostalgia and elevates it for the home cook. It’s perfect for meatless Mondays, dinner parties, or anytime you’re craving something fresh and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Veggie Supreme Pizza

• Loaded with flavor and texture from a variety of fresh vegetables

• Completely vegetarian, with options to make it vegan or gluten-free

• Customizable with your favorite veggies and sauces

• Perfect for pizza night, yet healthy enough for a guilt-free meal

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough (Makes 1 large or 2 medium pizzas):

• 3½ cups (450g) all-purpose or bread flour

• 1¼ cups (300ml) warm water

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Short on time? Use quality store-bought pizza dough.

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For the Sauce:

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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For the Toppings:

• 1½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 small yellow or orange bell pepper, thinly sliced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup mushrooms (white, cremini, or portobello), sliced

• ¼ cup black olives, sliced

• ½ cup baby spinach

• ¼ cup artichoke hearts, chopped (optional)

• Fresh basil, for garnish

• Crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning (optional)

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Optional Additions/Substitutions

• Zucchini, thinly sliced

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Banana peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick

• Goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist

• Vegan mozzarella to make it dairy-free

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How to Make Veggie Supreme Pizza

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Divide and shape as desired. Let rest 10–15 minutes before stretching.

Pro Tip: Cold-ferment the dough in the fridge overnight for better flavor and texture.

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Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Let cool before using.

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)

While raw veggies can be used, lightly sautéing them helps reduce moisture and enhances their flavor.

• In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.

• Sauté mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for 3–5 minutes until just tender.

• Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

This step ensures a crisp crust and evenly cooked toppings.

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Step 4: Preheat Your Oven and Stone

Preheat your oven to 475–500°F (245–260°C). Place a pizza stone or steel inside if you have one, and let it heat for at least 30 minutes. This helps create that pizzeria-style crispy crust.

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Step 5: Shape and Assemble the Pizza

1. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your dough into a 12–14 inch circle.

2. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

3. Spread a thin, even layer of sauce over the dough.

4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.

5. Layer your sautéed and fresh vegetables over the cheese.

6. Add spinach and olives last (they cook quickly).

7. Optional: Sprinkle Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes over the top.

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Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Optional Finish: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to char the veggies slightly and crisp the cheese edges.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil. Slice and enjoy!

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Tips for a Perfect Veggie Supreme Pizza

• Avoid overloading the pizza with veggies to prevent sogginess.

• Pat wet ingredients (like mushrooms or artichokes) dry before using.

• Cook high-moisture veggies like mushrooms and onions before topping.

• Use a pizza stone or steel to get that crispy, pizzeria-style bottom crust.

• Let pizza rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing to help set the cheese.

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Variations to Try

Vegan Veggie Supreme Pizza

• Use vegan mozzarella or cashew cheese.

• Replace honey in dough (if using) with maple syrup or omit.

• Add nutritional yeast to the sauce for extra umami.

Mediterranean Veggie Pizza

• Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta.

• Use a garlic olive oil base instead of red sauce.

Spicy Veggie Supreme

• Add banana peppers or jalapeños.

• Drizzle with hot honey or chili oil after baking.

White Veggie Pizza

• Use a garlic-cream or ricotta base instead of red sauce.

• Top with mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes.

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Pairing Ideas

This pizza is hearty enough to be a full meal, but here are a few ideas to round it out:

• Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing

• Roasted veggie platter for an all-veggie feast

• Garlic knots or breadsticks

• Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

• Dough: Can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours.

• Sauce: Make in advance and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Veggies: Pre-sauté and store in airtight containers for easy assembly.

Leftover Storage:

• Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: 375°F for 7–8 minutes on a baking sheet.

• Skillet: Heat slices in a covered nonstick pan over medium heat.

• Avoid microwaving to maintain crust texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Many grocery stores and bakeries sell fresh pizza dough. Let it rest at room temp before stretching.

Is this pizza vegan?

The base recipe uses mozzarella, but it’s easy to make vegan by swapping in plant-based cheese.

Can I use gluten-free dough?

Absolutely. Just make sure to follow specific stretching and baking guidelines for your chosen GF dough.

Do I have to pre-cook the veggies?

You don’t have to, but sautéing prevents a soggy crust and intensifies flavor.

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Conclusion: A Plant-Powered Pizza Night Favorite

Veggie Supreme Pizza is everything a great homemade pizza should be—crispy, cheesy, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you’re vegetarian, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or just love a loaded pizza, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

It’s endlessly adaptable, incredibly satisfying, and proof that when it comes to pizza, vegetables absolutely steal the show.

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