Surprise-Crust Pizza
A savory rice-based pizza crust topped with vegetables, cheese, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a quick vegetarian meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion sliced into rings ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves minced ⓘ
- 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed (optional) ⓘ
- 4.5 ounces part-skim Mozzarella cheese shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Spray a 12-inch round pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg until thoroughly combined.
- Press the rice mixture firmly into the prepared pizza pan to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, spray a skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add sliced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Spread low-sodium tomato sauce over the baked rice crust.
- Top with sautéed vegetables, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, oregano, fennel seed (if using), and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can also swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep it vegan. Experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand; zucchini or spinach can be great additions. To enhance the flavor, try adding red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning. If you love quick desserts, pair this meal with Never Fail Blueberry Pie.
Serving Suggestions
This Surprise-Crust Pizza is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread. Consider serving it alongside Spezziello Fruit Salad (Good For Potluck Or A Lot Of Company) for a refreshing contrast. A light wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, can also complement the flavors nicely. Enjoy it as a casual meal or for entertaining guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes, but the crust may lose some of its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surprise-Crust Pizza contains roughly 1086 calories, with 31g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1076mg per serving (47% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice in this recipe. Just ensure it is fully cooked and cooled before mixing with the other ingredients. Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a firmer texture to the crust, making it a healthy alternative.
Is it possible to freeze this pizza?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pizza before baking. Assemble it up to the point of adding the cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then in foil. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, increasing the baking time as needed until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What can I substitute for Mozzarella cheese?
If you're looking for a cheese substitute, consider using Gouda or Provolone for a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, vegan mozzarella made from nuts or soy is a great alternative that will melt well on this pizza.
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).