Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough
- Cornmeal, for the baking sheet
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Asiago cheese
- ½ cup shredded pecorino cheese (use the large holes of a box grater)
Toppings
- ⅔ cup pizza sauce
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 jarred roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry, and thinly sliced
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained, patted dry, and quartered or coarsely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
Finishing
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Prepare the pizza dough according to your preferred recipe or, if using store-bought dough, allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour to become more pliable.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 500°F (or the highest temperature it can reach). Sprinkle a little cornmeal in the center of a large baking sheet to prevent sticking and to add texture.
- Shape the dough: Place the dough on the baking sheet and stretch it into a large oval shape, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
- Mix cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Asiago, and pecorino cheeses thoroughly for a balanced cheesy blend.
- Assemble the pizza: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough surface. Then, sprinkle the mixed cheeses across the sauce. Top with thinly sliced red onions, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and jalapeño slices if you desire a spicy kick. Drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil over the toppings.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. Look for a browned crust along the edges and nicely melted, lightly browned cheese and toppings. Timing may vary depending on your oven’s heat.
- Add finishing touches: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat. Top with fresh basil leaves for freshness and aroma.
- Serve: Slice your vegetarian pizza and serve hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Allowing store-bought dough to rest at room temperature makes it easier to stretch and prevents shrinking during baking.
- Using cornmeal on the baking sheet adds texture to the crust bottom and prevents sticking.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity or omit to suit your heat preference.
- If your oven cannot reach 500°F, bake at the highest possible temperature and monitor carefully for doneness.
- Fresh basil should be added only after baking to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
