Cold Veggie Pizza (Homemade Appetizer)
Total Time
2 hours, 10 minutes (includes cooling)
Prep Time
1 hour, 20 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Rating
4.9 out of 5 stars
(13)
Ingredients
16–20 slices
- Dough
- 1 teaspoon active dry or instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water, (between 100–110°F, 38–43°C)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour or bread flour, plus more for hands and surface
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) melted butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cream Cheese Topping
- 12 ounces (339g) full-fat or low-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (125g) plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetables & Garnish
- 3–4 cups (about 400g) fresh vegetables (such as chopped broccoli, pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes)
- 1/3 cup (25g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon chopped scallion
- optional: handful of shredded carrots
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Preparation
Step 1
Prepare the dough: Whisk the yeast, sugar, and warm water together in the bowl of your stand mixer. Loosely cover and allow to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and frothy on top.
Step 2
Add the flour, 2 Tablespoons (28g) melted butter, garlic powder, and salt. Mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment until combined, about 2 minutes. The dough should be thick, yet soft and slightly sticky. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl as it mixes. If the dough is too sticky to handle, mix in more flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time.
Step 3
Knead the dough: Keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 6-8 full minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 full minutes. If the dough becomes too sticky during the kneading process, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour at a time.
Step 4
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow to sit and rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Step 6
Shape the dough: Punch the dough down to release any air. On a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 7
Poke your fingers all over the surface of the dough to create dimples. Brush with remaining butter.
Step 8
Bake for 17–20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven, and allow crust to cool completely or for at least 30 minutes as you prepare the toppings.
Step 9
Make the cream cheese topping: In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and yogurt together until smooth. Beat in the dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste, and then add more seasonings if desired. Spread onto cooled crust.
Step 10
Vegetables & garnish: Lightly press the chopped vegetables into the cream cheese topping. Arrange any way you’d like! Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, chopped scallion, and shredded carrots (if using). If desired, sprinkle lightly with freshly ground black pepper.
Step 11
Cut into squares immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cutting and serving.
Step 12
Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Step 13
Save recipe for the next time?
Chef's notes
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions:
The dough can be prepared through step 4, then, after it has risen, cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Continue with step 5. To freeze the dough, prepare it through step 4. After it has risen, punch it down to release any air. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator.
Vegetables:
Use your favorite fresh vegetables, and keep the amount to about 3–4 cups (about 400g).
Parmesan Cheese:
I love using parmesan on this homemade cold veggie pizza, but you could substitute crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese.
