Hearty Deep Dish Pizza(Makes 12 Servings)
A hearty, cheesy deep dish pizza with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that love bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed to room temperature ⓘ
- 8 oz. ball Healthy Choice fat-free natural Mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup Healthy Choice pasta sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed, dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried, crushed basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 small onion, cut into rings ⓘ
- 1/2 large green pepper, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 cup fresh mushroom slices
- 8 oz. package Healthy Choice fat-free natural fancy shredded pizza cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F.
- Press bread dough onto the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Top with sliced mozzarella cheese, pasta sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion rings, green pepper strips, mushroom slices, and shredded pizza cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough a few extra minutes. If you don’t have fresh mushrooms, canned or frozen ones work well. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or olives for more flavor. To reduce calories, opt for low-fat cheese or a smaller amount of cheese overall. This Hearty Deep Dish Pizza is a perfect dish to experiment with various toppings.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread. Consider serving it with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza. For a casual gathering, slice the pizza into smaller squares for easy serving. This dish is also excellent for game day or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the crust may not retain its crispiness. Enjoy it again for lunch or a quick dinner.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Deep Dish Pizza(Makes 12 Servings) contains roughly 103 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, just ensure it's enough to cover the pan. Knead it well for a fluffy texture. Homemade dough can add a personal touch and enhance the overall flavor of your Hearty Deep Dish Pizza.
What can I substitute for the Healthy Choice pasta sauce?
You can use any marinara or pizza sauce you prefer, or even make your own by blending canned tomatoes with herbs and spices. This allows you to customize the flavor profile of your pizza to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).