Delicious Garden Pizza Recipe: Homemade Zucchini & Squash Perfection
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cooking with fresh, seasonal produce, especially when it comes from your own backyard or a local farmer’s market. While I’m still nurturing my garden with hopes of a bountiful harvest later this summer, I can proudly say that the vibrant spring onions gracing this exquisite Garden Pizza did come straight from my grandfather’s thriving patch. His garden’s bounty was truly the initial spark for this recipe, making the name “Garden Pizza” perfectly fitting for this fresh and flavorful creation.
Lately, I’ve found myself irresistibly drawn to the gorgeous zucchini and yellow squash at the market. They’ve been looking so perfect that I often buy more than I can immediately use. This delightful abundance often leads to a fun culinary challenge: finding creative and delicious ways to “use it up” before any of that fresh produce goes to waste. That’s precisely how this Garden Pizza was born a few weeks ago! What started as an experimental dinner quickly became a sensation in our household. We’ve made it three times since, and I’m certainly not the only one requesting it for dinner. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying layers have made it a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Garden Pizza
This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients piled high on a crispy crust. Every bite is an explosion of textures and flavors, making it incredibly satisfying. For those who can’t imagine pizza without a hint of meat, fret not – we’ve incorporated a savory chicken andouille sausage that adds a wonderful depth without overpowering the fresh vegetables. It’s a truly balanced and delightful meal that feels both indulgent and surprisingly light.
Garden Pizza
- Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
- Category: Chicken, Pizza
- Method: Oven
- Prep time: 15 mins
- Cook time: 20-25 mins
- Yield: 1 large pizza (serves 4-6)
This Garden Pizza is a fantastic way to enjoy a medley of fresh vegetables, especially zucchini and squash, combined with savory chicken sausage on a perfectly baked crust. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and easy dinner solution for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought for convenience). A good quality store-bought dough can make this meal come together even faster.
- 1 small can of tomato sauce (approximately 8 oz), or your favorite pizza sauce.
- Dried oregano, to taste (approximately 1-2 teaspoons).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- 1½ – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
- ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (for an extra layer of flavor and melty goodness).
- 2–3 spring green onions, thinly sliced, including both white and green parts for a mild onion flavor.
- 2–3 links chicken andouille sausage, thinly sliced. I highly recommend Amylu chicken sausages, often found at Costco, for their excellent flavor and quality.
- 1–2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds or half-moons.
- 1–2 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced into rounds or half-moons.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure a beautifully crispy crust.
- Assemble the Pizza: Carefully stretch or roll out your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto your preheated pizza stone (if using parchment paper for easy transfer, lay it on your pizza peel). Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, spreading it almost to the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper, directly over the sauce. Next, layer about a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Now, it’s time for the fresh toppings: arrange the thinly sliced green onions, followed by the savory chicken sausage slices. Finally, layer the thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Season the top veggie layer with a little more salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the vegetables for extra cheesiness and a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer your assembled pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and cooked through, the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the vegetables are tender with slightly browned edges.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set, preventing all the toppings from sliding off when you cut into it. Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade Garden Pizza!
Tips for the Perfect Garden Pizza
- Dough Quality: A good quality pizza dough makes all the difference. If using store-bought, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before stretching for easier handling.
- Don’t Overload: While tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to overload the pizza, as it can make the crust soggy. Aim for even layers.
- Pre-sauté Veggies (Optional): If you prefer very tender vegetables or want to reduce moisture, you can lightly sauté the zucchini and squash for a few minutes before adding them to the pizza. This also helps bring out their flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy kick.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
Variations to Explore
- Veggie Medley: In addition to zucchini and squash, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach.
- Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top after baking can add a wonderful aroma and fresh flavor.
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken andouille, try grilled chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian option with chickpeas or lentils.
(For a printable version of this recipe, you can also click here)
A Quick Life Update
In case you haven’t heard the exciting news from back in 2009…
Massive congratulations to the ORLANDO MAGIC for their incredible achievement in becoming our 2009 Eastern Conference Champions! We were absolutely thrilled to see our home team advance to the NBA Finals that year. Best of luck to Dwight Howard and the entire team!