Name: Pizza with a Flavorful Twist
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade if preferred); 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional); 1/4 cup green bell pepper, sliced thin; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Pizza with a Flavorful Twist is always a comforting dish, but this one adds a flavorful twist with a delicious combination of savory toppings and spices. Whether it's for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner, this pizza recipe brings together basic ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. The tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Pizza with a Flavorful Twist

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade if preferred)

½ cup pizza sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)

¼ cup green bell pepper, sliced thin

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone if using a pre-made crust. If I’m making my own dough, I roll it out to my preferred thickness.

Brush the pizza crust with olive oil to add extra flavor and crispiness.

Spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni (if using), green bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.

Sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic powder over the toppings, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

This pizza is incredibly versatile, so I love experimenting with different toppings. Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes.

Meat Lovers: Add sausage, bacon, or ham along with the pepperoni for a heartier pizza.

Spicy: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.

Cheese Lover's Dream: Add extra types of cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or provolone for a more indulgent pizza.

Storage/Reheating

If I have any leftovers, I store the pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer to place the slices in a hot oven (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes, which helps the crust stay crispy and the cheese melt perfectly. Alternatively, I can use a microwave for a quick reheat, though it won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

How can I make the pizza crust crispy?

To get a crispy crust, I brush it with olive oil before adding the toppings, and I bake it in a preheated oven at a high temperature (450°F). If you prefer an extra crispy crust, you can even bake it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Can I use a gluten-free crust?

Yes, you can absolutely use a gluten-free pizza crust if that’s your preference. Just make sure to follow the baking instructions specific to the gluten-free crust you’re using.

Can I make the pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven as directed.

Can I freeze this pizza?

Yes! After baking, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake it from frozen at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

What can I use instead of pizza sauce?

If I’m out of pizza sauce, I often use marinara sauce, pesto, or even a white sauce like Alfredo sauce for a unique twist. Just be sure the sauce isn’t too watery to prevent a soggy crust.

Conclusion

This pizza with a flavorful twist is a go-to for when I need something quick, tasty, and satisfying. The combination of fresh veggies, melted mozzarella, and delicious seasonings never disappoints. It’s a great recipe for a busy weeknight or whenever I’m craving a homemade pizza that’s both simple and full of flavor. Whether I keep it classic or try one of the fun variations, this pizza always hits the spot!

Recipe:

Pizza with a Flavorful Twist

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pizza is always a comforting dish, but this one adds a flavorful twist with a delicious combination of savory toppings and spices. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone if using a pre-made crust. If making your own dough, roll it out to your preferred thickness.
Brush the pizza crust with olive oil to add extra flavor and crispiness.
Spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni (if using), green bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
Sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic powder over the toppings, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute before slicing and serving.