Easy Whole Wheat Pizza Recipe – Homemade with Veggies & Cheese

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Whole Wheat Pizza Recipe – Homemade with Veggies & Cheese

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes a pizza craving just hits. But ordering in gets old (and expensive!), and honestly, making your own pizza at home is so much more satisfying. This easy whole wheat pizza recipe is my go-to – it’s healthier, totally customizable, and tastes amazing. I first made this when I was trying to sneak more whole grains into my family’s diet, and it quickly became a weekly favorite! Let’s get baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pizza recipe. We’re using whole wheat flour for a boost of fiber and a lovely nutty flavor. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’ve never worked with yeast before. Plus, loading it up with fresh veggies makes it a pretty balanced meal, right? And the best part? You control exactly what goes on it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade pizza:

• ?? teaspoon instant yeast (about 2-2.5g)
• ?? teaspoon sugar (about 2-2.5g)
• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour (about 190g)
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (about 190g)
• ?? teaspoon salt (about 2-2.5g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 medium to large bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 medium to large onion (chopped)
• ?? cup steamed corn kernels (about 100g)
• 250 grams pizza cheese or mozzarella cheese
• ?? to ?? cup pizza sauce (about 120-180ml)
• As required dried oregano
• As required red chili flakes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using instant yeast makes life so much easier – no proofing needed. If you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll need to activate it in warm water with the sugar for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

I love the combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. It gives the pizza a lovely texture and flavor without being too dense. You can experiment with different flours, though!

Now, about toppings. Feel free to get creative! In North India, you might find paneer added to pizzas, while in the South, you could add some spicy masala potatoes. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some pizza!

1. First, in a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the water. Let it sit for a minute or two.
2. Add the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
3. Now, the fun part – kneading! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should spring back when you poke it.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare your veggies and pizza sauce. This is a great time to get everything chopped and ready to go.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 3 equal portions.
7. Grease three 10.5-inch pizza pans (or baking sheets). Press each portion of dough into a pan, forming a thin base – about 0.3-0.5 cm thick.
8. Brush the dough with a little olive oil, then spread with pizza sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and top with your chopped veggies.
9. Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F). Bake the pizzas on the lower rack for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with dried oregano and red chili flakes. Slice and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough! Over-kneading can make it tough.
• A warm environment is key for the dough to rise properly.
• Preheating the oven is crucial for a crispy crust.
• If you want an extra crispy crust, you can brush the edges with garlic butter before baking.

Variations

• Vegan Pizza Adaptation: Swap the mozzarella for a vegan cheese alternative. There are some really good ones available now!
• Gluten-Free Pizza Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes. My kids prefer none at all!
• Festival/Celebration Adaptations: For Makar Sankranti, we love adding crumbled paneer and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to our pizza. It’s a fun twist!

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is fantastic on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements it beautifully. A glass of iced tea or a refreshing lassi is the perfect drink pairing.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for the best results – microwaving can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

What is the best way to knead the pizza dough?

Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over. Rotate the dough and repeat for 8-10 minutes.

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with spelt flour, bread flour, or even a gluten-free blend.

How can I prevent the pizza base from becoming soggy?

Make sure your veggies aren’t too wet. You can sauté them briefly to remove excess moisture. Also, don’t overload the pizza with sauce.

What are some other vegetable toppings I can use?

The possibilities are endless! Mushrooms, spinach, olives, tomatoes, zucchini – whatever you like!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.