Bagel Veggie Pizza
A quick, colorful, and crunchy veggie pizza topped with creamy whipped cheese and Everything Bagel seasoning. High in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this easy-to-make appetizer or snack is perfect for meal prep, parties, or a satisfying everyday treat.
Equipment
- 1 Sheet pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 tube 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza dough
- 12 oz whipped cream cheese
- ¼ cup chopped broccoli
- ¼ cup matchstick carrots chopped
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- Everything Bagel seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Surface: Begin by lining a standard sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This prevents the pizza dough from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Ensure the pan is flat and even so the crust bakes uniformly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) while you prepare the dough, allowing it to reach the ideal baking temperature.
- Roll Out the Pizza Dough: Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto your prepared sheet pan. Gently stretch it into a rectangle or your preferred shape, making sure the thickness is even across the entire surface. Smooth out any folds or creases by pressing lightly with your fingers. Uniform thickness is important so the crust bakes evenly and supports the toppings without sagging.
- Bake the Pizza Crust: Place the sheet pan with dough into the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is firm in the center and lightly golden on top. Avoid overbaking, as the crust will continue to cook slightly while cooling. A perfectly baked crust will be crisp on the edges yet soft enough to cut easily.
- Cool the Crust Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow the crust to cool fully before adding the cream cheese layer. Cooling ensures the cream cheese remains creamy and the vegetables stay crisp, preventing a soggy pizza. Patience in this step improves both texture and presentation.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Layer: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, evenly spread whipped cream cheese over the cooled crust. Cover the surface fully, including the edges. A generous layer acts as a creamy base that keeps vegetables in place and balances the crispness of the baked crust.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Sprinkle chopped broccoli across the cream cheese layer first, followed by matchstick carrots and diced bell peppers. Spread evenly so every bite has a mix of flavors and textures. Use fresh, firm vegetables for maximum crunch and vibrant color. This combination provides fiber, vitamins, and visual appeal.
- Top with Green Onions: Thinly slice green onions and scatter them evenly over the vegetables. Their mild, slightly sharp flavor complements the creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the other vegetables. Arranging them uniformly ensures each bite has balanced taste and texture.
- Sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning: Generously sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning over the top of the pizza. The seasoning adds a savory, nutty, and slightly garlicky flavor that enhances the overall taste. Adjust the amount to your preference, but don’t be afraid to use a little extra for maximum flavor impact.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: Cover the pizza with plastic wrap if not serving right away. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the cream cheese to firm slightly. Alternatively, serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy experience. Both options provide a delicious result depending on your timing and occasion.
- Cut and Present the Pizza: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pizza into squares or rectangles. Arrange the pieces on a serving platter for parties, brunch, or casual snacking. Each piece should have a perfect combination of crust, creamy cheese, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful seasoning, creating a visually appealing and tasty treat.
Notes
- For the best texture, always allow the baked crust to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese layer.
- Use fresh, firm vegetables to maintain crunch and color; avoid overripe or watery produce that may make the pizza soggy.
- Everything Bagel seasoning is flexible—feel free to mix your favorite seeds and spices to create a custom blend.
- Optional add-ins like smoked salmon, avocado slices, or cherry tomatoes can enhance flavor without overpowering the base ingredients.
- This recipe works well as a make-ahead appetizer or snack; just cover and chill until ready to serve.
