Quick Pizza From Leftovers
A quick, customizable pizza using leftovers, featuring a crispy crust, savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and melty cheeses — perfect for a casual, satisfying meal for two.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a pan with olive oil.
- Spread out the bread dough in the pan, noting it may shrink back slightly.
- Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in a preheated 475°F oven for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Add pizza sauce, chopped leftover vegetables, and desired toppings onto the crust.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and fontina cheeses.
- Bake at 375°F for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use store-bought pizza sauce and pre-diced vegetables. If you don't have mozzarella or fontina, other cheeses like cheddar or provolone can work well. For added flavor, try incorporating dried oregano or basil into the dough before baking. To make this a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage or pepperoni on top of the veggies for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pizza hot from the oven with a fresh side salad, like Mom'S Antipasta Salad, for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a light Italian bread dressing for a delightful contrast. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, and leftovers can be enjoyed for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Pizza From Leftovers contains roughly 79 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 different types of bread dough?
Yes, you can use any type of bread dough, including whole wheat or gluten-free options. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness as you bake. If you're using a thicker dough, you might want to adjust the initial baking time to ensure the base cooks through.
What vegetables work best as leftovers?
Almost any leftover vegetable can be used! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini are great options that add flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking. If you have roasted vegetables from a previous meal, they can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and toppings in advance, then assemble the pizza just before baking. Store the uncooked pizza in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you want to make it even earlier, prep and freeze the assembled pizza, then bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).