Homemade White Pizza with Broccoli

This delicious white pizza with broccoli recipe features steamed broccoli tossed in olive oil and red pepper flakes, ricotta cheese mixed with garlic, mozzarella, and fresh lemon zest. It’s a simple vegetarian meal that the whole family will love!

Friday night was usually pizza night in my house growing up. This was especially the case during Lent, since pizza was such an easy meatless option that could feed our big family.

So, it’s only fitting that I’m sharing this new white pizza with broccoli recipe on a Friday in Lent. Of course, this pizza is a delicious meal for just about anyone, not just those who abstain from eating meat.

Every slice is loaded with flavor and texture. Crunchy broccoli and creamy ricotta, punctuated with red pepper flakes, garlic, and lemon zest, sit on top of a crispy crust. Are you drooling yet?

Ok ok, I’ll get to the recipe now. Be sure to read through the expert tips to learn how to make homemade broccoli pizza that tastes just as good as restaurant versions.

How to Make White Pizza with Broccoli

1. Put pizza crust on a preheated pizza stone. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with a thin layer of mozzarella.
2. Toss steamed broccoli in olive oil and red pepper flakes. Place on top of pizza.
3. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese mixed with garlic on the pizza.
4. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the fresh lemon zest. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese starts to bubble and the crust is crispy.

Should you cook broccoli before putting it on pizza?

For best results, cook broccoli before using it as a pizza topping. Raw broccoli can be too tough and difficult to chew. Use steamed or roasted broccoli instead.

To steam broccoli for pizza, place florets in a large skillet, cover with a couple inches of water, bring to a boil, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

Alternatively, you can use a vegetable steamer basket if you have one. Place the steamer basket with the broccoli florets in a large pot with two inches of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

Expert Tips

• Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small, bite-size pieces, so that your white pizza with broccoli will be easy to eat in single bites. To split large florets, slice them lengthwise, straight down the middle of their stalks. I prefer to steam the broccoli for a few minutes so that it is crisp-tender before putting it on the pizza. You can also use leftover roasted broccoli if you have that on hand.
• Seasonings: I find that adding seasonings to the toppings is the best way to ensure that they are evenly distributed over the entire pizza. I like to toss the broccoli in olive oil and red pepper flakes, instead of sprinkling the flakes on the pizza. You’ll also want to mix the ricotta cheese with the garlic and season with salt and pepper.
• Pizza crust: Use homemade or store-bought pizza crust. I personally used a store-bought crust to save time.
• Pizza stone: For best results, make your white pizza with broccoli on a preheated pizza stone. I usually place my pizza stone in the oven while it preheats. This extra step will ensure that you get a crispy crust. It’s well worth it! Alternatively, you can make the recipe in a pizza pan or on a large baking sheet.
• Leftovers: Store the pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 250 degrees F for 5 to 10 minutes.

More Veggie Pizza Recipes

If you love this white pizza with broccoli recipe, check out the Asparagus and Mushroom Naan Bread Pizza, Arugula Parmesan Pita Pizzas, and BBQ Pineapple Jalapeno Pizza on Pita.

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📖 Recipe