Ultimate Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza: A Flavor Explosion!
Introduction
This Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic Philly cheese steak, made entirely vegetarian. Packed with sautéed vegetables and roasted garlic, this pizza is both flavorful and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a fun dinner with friends. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time.
Ultimate Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza: A Flavor Explosion!
4
servings20
minutes25
minutes480
kcalIngredients
1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 large Portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
1/2 cup veggie broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the white onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and Portobello mushrooms. These will be the main toppings for your pizza.
- Mash the Roasted Garlic: Mash the roasted garlic cloves. Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor to the pizza.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Onion and Peppers: Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the smashed garlic to the pan.
- Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced Portobello mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with Veggie Broth: Pour in the veggie broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer until the broth is mostly evaporated.
- Season: Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the Roasted Garlic: Spread the mashed roasted garlic evenly over the pizza dough.
- Add the Sautéed Vegetables: Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the garlic.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the vegetables.
- Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Crust (Optional): I always melt 1 TBSP of butter and garlic powder to form a garlic spread and coat the crust all the way around. You will not be disappointed.
Health Benefits of the Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
- White Onion: Onions are rich in vitamins C and B6, and they contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C, and they provide a good amount of fiber. They add a sweet, crunchy texture to the pizza.
- Portobello Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. They have a meaty texture that makes them a perfect substitute for meat.
- Roasted Garlic: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and contains compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure.
- Veggie Broth: Using veggie broth to sauté the vegetables adds flavor without extra calories or fat.
Tips and Variations
- Add Protein: For added protein, you can top the pizza with some crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan cheese alternatives to make this pizza completely plant-based.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Background on Key Ingredients
- White Onion: Onions are a staple in many cuisines around the world. They add a sweet and savory flavor to dishes and are known for their health benefits.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers come in various colors, each with a slightly different flavor. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Portobello Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms are large, mature cremini mushrooms. They have a dense, meaty texture and are often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and brings out its natural sweetness. It’s a great way to add depth to dishes without overpowering them.
Conclusion
This Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite. It’s packed with flavorful vegetables and topped with a blend of cheeses that melt beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more veggies to your diet, this pizza is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the comforting taste of a Philly cheese steak in a new, veggie-packed way!
