How to Make a Rustic Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pizza

Simple Summary

This Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pizza combines the earthy sweetness of caramelized vegetables with tangy goat cheese on a crispy homemade crust, creating a gourmet pizza experience in your own kitchen.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

2. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they're tender and lightly caramelized.

4. While the vegetables are roasting, roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12-14 inches in diameter.

5. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. If not, place the dough on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

6. Brush the dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust.

7. Arrange the roasted vegetables over the sauce, then sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and grated Parmesan over the top.

8. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the preheated stone. Otherwise, place the baking sheet in the oven.

9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing.

11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Chef's Notes

• For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• If goat cheese is too strong for your taste, you can substitute with feta or fresh mozzarella.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best results.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (1/4 of pizza): Approximately 450 calories, 20g protein, 55g carbohydrates, 22g fat. This pizza is a good source of vitamins A and C from the vegetables, calcium from the cheeses, and provides a balanced meal when paired with a side salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
• For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with a small bowl of minestrone soup before the pizza.
• Cut into smaller slices and serve as an appetizer for a party or gathering.