Name: Crispy Mediterranean-Inspired Pizza with Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Vegetables
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 ball (8 oz) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (cow's milk); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 small zucchini, thinly sliced; 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn; Salt and black pepper to taste; Cornmeal or flour, for dusting

Crispy Mediterranean-Inspired Pizza with Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Vegetables

miradu

This pizza brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor and California sunshine to your dinner table, perfect for a cool coastal evening. The creamy ricotta base (using only cow's milk cheese) pairs beautifully with the sweet, slightly charred roasted vegetables and the savory, melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. A scattering of fresh basil adds a fragrant finish, while the crisp crust delivers ultimate satisfaction. This recipe is simple enough for a casual night in and visually stunning enough to impress guests. Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon!

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as hot as it will go. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. If not, use a sturdy baking sheet.
Toss zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl with olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Spread vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 8 minutes, just until beginning to soften. Remove from oven and set aside.
Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal or flour.
Dollop ricotta over the crust, then gently spread. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Scatter roasted vegetables over the cheese base.
Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with torn basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.