Cold Veggie Pizza Recipe

Crescent rolls: These are refrigerated dough rolls that form the base crust of the pizza.

Cream cheese: A soft cheese that forms the creamy layer of the pizza.

Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the spread.

Dill weed: A dried herb that gives a fresh, slightly tangy flavor.

Garlic powder: Adds a mild garlic flavor to the spread.

Onion powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor.

Broccoli: Fresh, chopped broccoli adds crunch and nutrition.

Cauliflower: Fresh, chopped cauliflower adds texture and a mild flavor.

Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.

Shredded carrots: Adds a slight sweetness and vibrant color.

When spreading the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, use an offset spatula for a smooth and even layer. This ensures that every bite has a consistent flavor and texture.

• refrigerated crescent rolls - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry provides a similar flaky texture and can be used as a base for the cold veggie pizza.

• cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a healthier alternative to cream cheese.

• sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide the same creamy consistency and tanginess as sour cream.

• dried dill weed - Substitute with fresh dill: Fresh dill can be used in place of dried dill weed for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be minced and used to provide a stronger and more robust garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can offer a fresh and potent onion flavor compared to onion powder.

• chopped fresh broccoli - Substitute with chopped fresh asparagus: Asparagus provides a similar crunch and can be a flavorful alternative to broccoli.

• chopped fresh cauliflower - Substitute with chopped fresh zucchini: Zucchini can offer a different texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for cauliflower.

• chopped red bell pepper - Substitute with chopped yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper provides a similar sweetness and crunch as red bell pepper.

• shredded carrots - Substitute with shredded jicama: Jicama offers a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a good alternative to carrots.

• Allow the crescent roll crust to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

• Once the veggie pizza is fully assembled, cut it into squares and place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The cold veggie pizza will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• When ready to eat, thaw the veggie pizza squares in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

• To refresh the crust after thawing, you can place the squares on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is optional but can help restore some crispiness.

• Avoid microwaving the veggie pizza as it can make the crust chewy and the vegetables soggy.

• If you notice any excess moisture on the veggie pizza after thawing, gently pat it dry with a paper towel before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat will help maintain the integrity of the crescent roll crust while warming the toppings.

• Place the leftover cold veggie pizza on a baking sheet. If you have a pizza stone, even better! It will help distribute the heat more evenly.

• Cover the pizza lightly with aluminum foil. This will prevent the cream cheese and sour cream mixture from drying out while reheating.

• Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots stay vibrant and don’t overcook.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a microwave-safe plate with the cold veggie pizza inside. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam and prevent the toppings from drying out.

• Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check the pizza and continue in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the cold veggie pizza inside the basket. Air fry for about 3-5 minutes. This method will keep the crescent roll crust crispy while warming the toppings.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the cold veggie pizza in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the crust doesn’t burn.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cold veggie pizza on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10 minutes. This method is great for maintaining the crispiness of the crescent roll crust.

• For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of fresh dill weed or a dash of garlic powder and onion powder on top before serving to refresh the flavors.

• Oven: Used to bake the crescent roll crust to a golden brown.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to press and bake the crescent rolls.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and spices.

• Spatula: Helps to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the fresh broccoli, cauliflower, red bell pepper, and shredding the carrots.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the sour cream and chopped vegetables accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurement of the dried dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked crust to cool evenly before adding the toppings.

Use pre-chopped veggies: Save time by buying pre-chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots from the store.

Soften cream cheese quickly: Microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften it faster.

Pre-bake crust ahead: Bake the crescent roll crust the night before and store it in an airtight container.

Mix spread in advance: Combine the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop your veggies using a food processor to save prep time.