Description
This Healthy Broccoli White Pizza combines nutrient-rich broccoli with creamy ricotta and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on a wholesome whole wheat or gluten-free crust. Baked to golden perfection with fragrant garlic and a hint of oregano, this pizza offers a delicious, guilt-free alternative to traditional pizza, perfect for a quick weekday meal or a weekend treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (whole wheat or gluten-free, if desired)
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pizza to a crispy crust and bubbly cheese.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain well and chop coarsely to distribute evenly on the pizza.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pre-made pizza crust, creating a creamy white base for the toppings.
- Add Broccoli: Sprinkle the chopped steamed broccoli evenly over the ricotta layer, ensuring balanced coverage for each bite.
- Top with Cheese: Distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the broccoli evenly, adding richness and flavor to the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before slicing it into wedges.
- Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves on top if desired, for a fragrant and colorful finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the pizza crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Steaming broccoli preserves nutrients better than boiling and keeps it tender-crisp.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free crust options make this pizza suitable for various dietary needs.
- Leftover pizza can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for crispiness.
