Wisconsin Garden Pizza

Ingredients

The Wisconsin Garden Pizza differs from the original Italian Pizza Ortolana in terms of the cheese used and the specific vegetables incorporated. While the original recipe may use a variety of Italian cheeses, the Wisconsin adaptation highlights the state's renowned cheddar and mozzarella. Additionally, the vegetables are chosen to reflect the produce commonly found in Wisconsin, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza ortolana, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pizza sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) pizza sauce
• 1 cup (120g) shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (120g) shredded Wisconsin mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded Wisconsin mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) sliced mushrooms 1 cup (150g) sliced mushrooms
• 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. 4.
   Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Add the sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and red onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
7. 7.
   Season the sautéed vegetables with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
8. 8.
   Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the pizza sauce.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
10. 10.
    Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
12. 12.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — For a smoky flavor, you can roast the bell peppers before slicing and adding them to the pizza.
• Wisconsin cheddar and mozzarella cheese — Opt for high-quality Wisconsin cheeses to enhance the flavor and authenticity of the dish.
• Pizza dough — If using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
• Zucchini — To prevent the pizza from becoming soggy, lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for a few minutes before patting them dry.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the dough on it.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations based on seasonal availability.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out to a thinner thickness.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a preheated oven for a few minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Wisconsin Garden Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or as part of a pizza party. Pair it with a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the melted cheese will make the pizza visually appealing.