Roasted Veggie Flatbread
A simple yet delicious flatbread topped with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, fresh herbs, and parmesan cheese. This recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and makes a satisfying appetizer, light meal, or snack.
Equipment
- 2 baking sheets
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1-Rolling pin
- 1 pastry brush
- Measuring spoons (tablespoon, teaspoon)
- Measuring cups (1 cup)
- Chef’s knife (1)
- Cutting board – 1
Ingredients
- 1 small zucchini thinly sliced into half circles
- 1 bell pepper cut into thin strips
- ½ medium red onion sliced into half moons
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
- 16 ounces pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it has enough time to reach the right temperature. While the oven preheats, line a large baking sheet with either parchment paper or aluminum foil. This not only prevents the vegetables from sticking but also makes cleanup much easier afterward.
- Season and roast the vegetables: Place the sliced zucchini, bell pepper strips, red onion pieces, and grape tomatoes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle over the chopped oregano, a light pinch of salt, and a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Toss the vegetables gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece gets coated in the oil and seasoning. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet—avoid overcrowding so they roast evenly. Transfer the sheet to the oven and roast for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables look tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
- Bring the dough to room temperature: While the vegetables are roasting, take your pizza dough out of the fridge if it was chilled. Allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 10–15 minutes. This step softens the dough, making it more pliable and easier to stretch without tearing.
- Roll out the flatbread base: Once the roasted vegetables are ready, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Lightly flour a clean surface, such as a countertop or large cutting board. Place the dough on top and roll it out into an oval or rectangle that will fit comfortably onto your baking sheet. The shape doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic edges add charm. For a thinner, crispier crust, roll the dough out more, but remember to shorten the baking time later to prevent burning. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Infuse the dough with flavor: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Using a pastry brush, spread this fragrant mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor, then scatter half of the grated parmesan cheese across the top. Slide the dough into the oven and bake for 3 to 4 minutes, just long enough for the base to start firming up and developing a slightly golden edge.
- Layer on the toppings: Carefully remove the partially baked dough from the oven. Evenly distribute the roasted vegetables across the surface, making sure every slice will get a mix of zucchini, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the vegetables, letting it settle into the crevices so it melts into the toppings as they cook.
- Bake until golden and bubbling: Return the flatbread to the oven and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the crust is golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye during the last couple of minutes—every oven runs slightly different, and you don’t want the bottom to overcook.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy: Remove the flatbread from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to make slicing easier. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide it into 8 slices. Serve warm straight from the tray, or let the slices cool slightly before arranging them on a platter for guests.
Notes
- Swap in seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, corn, or green beans for variety.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh basil adds brightness before serving.
- For a lighter option, use whole wheat or cauliflower-based dough.
- Shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta can replace parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- The crust can be made thinner for extra crispiness, but adjust baking time to avoid over-browning.
