Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
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.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions for the Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
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.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza hot, straight from the oven. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a simple green salad. Enjoy it with a glass of your favorite wine or a cold beer.
Nutritional Information (per serving) – Veggie Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 11g
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.
In the End…
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!
