Provencal Pizza
Provencal Pizza features a crispy crust topped with a savory vegetable medley, melted mozzarella, peppers, and olives—perfect for gatherings or a flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. loaf frozen bread dough, thawed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 c. onions, sliced into rings ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, diced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. fennel seed ⓘ
- 4 tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. mozzarella ⓘ
- 1/2 red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 small can pitted ripe olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Put thawed bread dough on a lightly floured surface and cover; let rest for 5 minutes.
- Line a 15 x 10-inch baking pan with heavy foil and grease the foil on the bottom and sides. Set aside.
- Roll the dough into a 16 x 12-inch rectangle.
- Press the dough onto the bottom and sides of the prepared pan with a fork.
- Let the dough stand for 5 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for about 10 minutes or until the dough starts to brown.
- Let the crust cool.
- Leave the oven on.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet.
- Add sliced and separated onion rings, minced garlic, crushed basil, crushed oregano, and crushed fennel seed.
- Cook uncovered over medium heat for 20 minutes or until the onions are tender but not browned, stirring often.
- Stir in peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Spread the vegetable mixture over the cooled crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Arrange thin strips of red and green bell peppers along with drained, sliced ripe olives on top.
- Bake in the 425°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding some capers or anchovies to the vegetable mixture for added flavor. If you don't have frozen bread dough, you can use store-bought pizza dough. To enhance the dish, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for a bit of heat. Also, make sure to let the crust cool completely before adding the toppings to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
This Provencal Pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of Mediterranean recipes like Jackie'S Eggplant Salad. For an added touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. Consider serving with a light white wine or sparkling water to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the crust while melting the cheese again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Provencal Pizza contains roughly 840 calories, with 25g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), iron (142% of the Daily Value), and calcium (118% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 655mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Generally, the rule of thumb is to use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. Fresh basil and oregano will enhance the flavor even more, adding brightness to the dish.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you want to substitute mozzarella, try using provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a dairy-free option, consider using a vegan cheese that melts well, ensuring it aligns with your dietary preferences.
How can I make this pizza spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the vegetable mixture while cooking or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce after baking to suit your spice preference.
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).