Three Step Pizza
A simple, customizable pizza with a crispy crust, savory sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh vegetables, and optional cooked meat. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this three-step recipe offers a delicious, homemade flavor that appeals to all pizza lovers and can be easily tailored to your tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Sprinkle cornmeal onto a 13-inch well-greased pizza pan.
- Roll dough to form a 12-inch circle on the prepared pan.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh vegetables, and cooked meat toppings.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.
- Cut into slices and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, try pre-baking the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings. You can substitute the pizza sauce with pesto or a white sauce for a different flavor profile. Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. For a homemade option, consider using David's Perfect Pizza Dough for a base.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad like Broccoli Tortellini Salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Wine Ciamelle Cookies for a sweet finish to your pizza night.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Step Pizza contains roughly 962 calories, with 61g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (121% of the Daily Value), calcium (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1467mg per serving (64% 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 homemade pizza crust instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Using homemade pizza crust allows you to customize the thickness and flavor. If you opt for a recipe like David's Perfect Pizza Dough, just ensure it’s rolled out to the right size for your pan.
What type of cheese works best for pizza?
Mozzarella is traditional for its melting quality, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for added depth of flavor. If you're making a vegetarian version, consider using a blend of cheeses for a deliciously complex topping.
How can I make this pizza more healthy?
You can increase the nutritional value by adding more vegetables and using whole wheat pizza crust. Consider items like zucchini or spinach for extra fiber. Additionally, opt for low-fat cheese options to reduce calories while still enjoying great flavor.
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).