Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day with this delicious and outrageously green pizza recipe. A fun and unique twist on a classic favorite!
- Welcome to the Perfect St. Paddy's Pizza.
- What Is A Green Pizza?
- What Is Green Pizza Sauce Made Of?
- What Greens Go On Pizza?
- Here's What You Need To Make It All Happen:
- Let's Get Crafting: Directions for Green Pizza:
- Family Fun Activities to Pair with Your Green Pizza:
- That's It For Our Adventure In Green Pizza
- Green Pizza
Welcome to the Perfect St. Paddy’s Pizza.
St. Patrick’s Day is my kind of holiday—no need for fancy plans, just a perfect excuse to throw a little green into everything, socks included. And this year, I got a wild idea: a pizza so outrageously green, it would make Kermit the Frog proud.
What Is A Green Pizza?
As we dive into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, you might be wondering, “What is a green pizza?” Well, it’s not just your regular pizza with a green topping or two. A green pizza is a delightful culinary creation where the toppings, sauce, and sometimes even the crust are dominated by various shades of green. It’s a celebration of all things verdant, from the pesto sauce that acts as the base to the array of green veggies like broccoli and arugula that add texture and flavor. This pizza is a nod to the Emerald Isle and a fun, tasty way to add some color to your meal. So, whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just treat yourself to something different, a green pizza is the way to go this St. Patrick’s Day!
What Is Green Pizza Sauce Made Of?
Now, you might be curious about the heart of our green pizza—the sauce. So, what is green pizza sauce made of? The star ingredient is typically basil, which gives the sauce its vibrant green color and fresh, herby flavor. This is combined with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a rich and creamy pesto. Some variations might include spinach or arugula for an extra green boost. The result is a flavorful and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the other green toppings on the pizza. It’s this magical green sauce that brings our St. Patrick’s Day pizza to life, adding depth and a burst of flavor to every bite!
What Greens Go On Pizza?
When it comes to topping our St. Patrick’s Day pizza, the question arises: “What greens go on pizza?” The options are as varied as the shades of green in a spring meadow. Classic choices include spinach, arugula, and basil, but why stop there? Broccoli and green bell peppers add a nice crunch, while zucchini and asparagus bring a subtle sweetness. For a more adventurous twist, try adding kale or even Brussels sprouts. The key is to mix and match textures and flavors to create a pizza that’s not only visually stunning but also a delight to your taste buds.
Here’s What You Need To Make It All Happen:
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough, preferably whole-wheat
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- ¼ cup water
- 5 ounces arugula, any tough stems removed, chopped (about 6 cups)
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- ½ cup prepared pesto
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Additional toppings (optional): sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sliced olives, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, or oregano
Let’s Get Crafting: Directions for Green Pizza:
- Preheat and Prep: Position the oven rack in the lowest position and preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about the size of the baking sheet. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake until puffed and lightly crisped on the bottom, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cook the Veggies: Meanwhile, cook the broccoli and water in a large skillet over medium heat, covered, until the broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the arugula and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the pesto evenly over the crust, top with the broccoli mixture, and sprinkle with cheese. If using, add additional toppings like bell peppers, tomatoes, or olives.
- Bake and Serve: Bake until the crust is crispy and golden and the cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of flavor.
Some Extra Tips:
- For a protein boost, consider adding some cooked chicken breast or Italian sausage.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished pizza for a sweet and tangy finish.
- For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the broccoli and arugula mixture
- Do keep in mind allergens in this recipe, such as pine nuts in the pesto.
- Need another pizza recipe for the occasion? Try out our Irish pizza.
Family Fun Activities to Pair with Your Green Pizza:
Green Smoothie Challenge: Now that you’ve mastered the green pizza, why not take on the green smoothie challenge? Gather a variety of green fruits and vegetables like spinach, kale, green apples, and kiwi. Let each family member create their own smoothie concoction, then have a taste test to crown the best green smoothie chef! Need some inspiration? Check out this green smoothie recipe.
Pot of Gold Coin Toss: No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without a pot of gold! Set up a small bucket or bowl as your “pot” and use gold coins (chocolate coins work great for a tasty twist). Take turns tossing the coins into the pot from a distance. The one who gets the most coins in the pot wins a special St. Patrick’s Day prize!
Tried these out? Let us know in the comments! Photos are always welcome. Need more activity ideas? Get our free activity and coloring packs.
That’s It For Our Adventure In Green Pizza
So, what’s the verdict? This green pizza venture was more than just a nod to St. Paddy’s—it turned out to be a deliciously fun experiment. It’s proof that sometimes, the best dishes come from a place of pure whimsy and a willingness to play with your food.
If you end up trying your hand at this green marvel, I’m dying to see how it turns out. Seriously, drop me a photo in the comments. Let’s spread the green pizza love far and wide.
Here’s to kitchen experiments, laughter-filled meals, and the joy of adding a bit of color to our food. May your St. Patrick’s Day be filled with good vibes and even better pizza. Cheers to that!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a green pizza adventure! Share your creations with us and spread the joy of colorful, whimsical cooking.
Green Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 Ib Prepared Pizza Dough Whole wheat suggested.
- 2 Cups Chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 5 Ounces Arugula Chopped About 6 cups
- Pinch of Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper to Taste
- 1/2 Cup Pesto
- 1 Cup Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sliced olives, artichoke hearts Optional Toppings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and position the rack in the lowest position. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your baking sheet. Transfer it to the sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly crisped.
- While the crust is baking, heat the broccoli and water in a large skillet over medium heat. Cover and cook until the broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the arugula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the prebaked crust. Top with the broccoli and arugula mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Add any additional toppings as desired.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Enjoy your festive St. Patrick's Day green pizza! Perfect for Spring!
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or Italian sausage for added protein.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for an extra flavor boost.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick for those who like a bit of heat.
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